April is National Autism Awareness Month

April is National Autism Awareness Month, a time to bring attention to and raise awareness of Autism Spectrum Disorder and support those living with it. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) refers to a wide range of conditions often characterized by challenges with social, behavioral, and communication skills. Autism Awareness Month is intended to raise awareness of ASD, and promote acceptance and inclusion of people living with it. There are many misconceptions about ASD. This month gives us all a chance to learn about and to celebrate those who identify with ASD and their unique contributions.

Beacon Health Options
‍"Autism is in the news and on the minds of many parents, but what is it?This elusive word describes a condition a person can be born with that makes it hard for him to learn to speak or to do basic skills. You cannot see or prove autism with the usual medical tests, such as blood tests or X-rays, but a doctor trained in testing for ASD will know if a child has it."
‍Autism Spectrum Disorder: What Is It?
‍‍Recognizing Signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder
‍‍Living With Autism Spectrum Disorder in the Family
‍‍Taking Care of the Caregiver in a Family with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)‍
‍CDC's Autism Spectrum Disorder Homepage
‍"Diagnosing autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can be difficult because there is no medical test, like a blood test, to diagnose the disorder. Doctors look at the child’s developmental history and behavior to make a diagnosis.  ASD can sometimes be detected at 18 months or younger. By age 2, a diagnosis by an experienced professional can be considered very reliable. However, many children do not receive a final diagnosis until much older. Some people are not diagnosed until they are adolescents or adults. This delay means that children with ASD might not get the early help they need."

Just a few of the topics available on the CDC's ASD Homepage:
‍Screening & Diagnosis‍ASD in Teens & Adults

The Autism Society
‍‍www.autism-society.org
‍"The Autism Society recognizes that the prevalence of autism in the United States has risen from 1 in 125 children in 2010 to 1 in 59 in 2020 – recognizing this continued increase, the goal for AAM is to further increase awareness about autism signs, symptoms and opportunities through: information and referrals, events, printable and digital resources, and community partnerships with businesses and organizations dedicated to building inclusive experiences.  The Autism Society has a variety of resources designed to inform and encourage communities to celebrate differences, and become more inclusive of individuals with autism. The campaign will overlap with World Autism Awareness Day on April 2nd, and continue throughout the month."

Organization for Autism Research (OAR)
‍‍researchautism.org
‍"What do you have planned for Autism Awareness Month? See how you can join our cause to raise awareness, educate others, and increase acceptance of autism."
‍Events and Webinars