Since April is World Autism Month, I’ve decided to #LightItUpBlue with Autism Speaks to increase understanding and awareness of autism. This topic is deeply personal to me, I work as a Teacher’s Asst in the Special Ed department.
It’s highly likely that you know someone with autism too, since the CDC estimates autism’s prevalence as 1 in every 68 children in the United States.
Autism refers to a range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication, as well as by unique strengths and differences. We now know that there is not one autism but many types, caused by different combinations of genetic and environmental influences.
Autism’s most obvious signs tend to appear between 2 and 3 years of age. In some cases, it can be diagnosed as early as 18 months.
Autism Speaks encourages parents with concerns to seek evaluation without delay, as early intervention can improve outcomes.
Many of my students have been receiving early intervention assistance since the age of three.
The “Light It Up Blue” campaign is about more than awareness — it is about increasing understanding and acceptance of autism. This includes advocacy and support for people across the entire spectrum throughout their lives. It also includes advancing research into personalized treatments for autism and related conditions.
I encourage you test your understanding of autism by taking this quiz. Certain medical and mental health issues frequently accompany autism. They include GI disorders, seizures, sleep disturbances, attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety and phobias.
#LightItUpBlue
You can help make a difference, by taking the Light It Up Blue Quiz to see how much you know about autism. If you’re moved to do so after visiting AutismSpeaks.org, please show your support for the challenges faced by individuals with autism by sharing a photo to #LightItUpBlue for Autism Awareness Month. Also, check out Autism Speaks’ nationwide calendar of autism-friendly friendly events and activities in April.
