April is Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurological and developmental disorder that affects how people interact with others, communicate, learn, and behave. Although autism can be diagnosed at any age, it is described as a “developmental disorder” because symptoms generally appear in the first two years of life.
Let’s improve support and opportunities in education, employment, accessible housing, affordable health care, and comprehensive long-term services for those that we know who have ASD. Be open minded to accepting and helping those who might be different from you.
A Few Facts:
1 in 31 children in the U.S. are diagnosed with ASD.
Approximately 1 in 25 boys and 1 in 100 girls.
Diagnosis can be as early as age 2, but can also even be after age 4.
ASD affects all ethnic and socioeconomic groups.
Developmental regression may be noted between 1 and 3 years old - language and social interactions.
Individuals with ASD may:
- Be nonverbal
- Have intellectual disabilities
- Wander or bolt
- Have self injurious behaviors
There is a wide variation in type and severity of symptoms.
Many individuals with ASD have a secondary diagnosis of Attention Deficit Disorder, Anxiety, Depression, Sleep Disorder, Gastrointestinal Disorders, or Epilepsy
Early interventions help to improve learning, communication, and social skills.
https://www.autismspeaks.org/autism-statistics-asd