World Autism Awareness Day – Where’s Your Blue?
Today is World Autism Awareness Day. 1 in 68 children has been identified with autism. The prevalence is much higher for boys than with girls. To be exact, the CDC has found that 1 in 42 boys and 1 in 189 girls will be identified.
What is World Autism Awareness Day?
World Autism Awareness Day is an internationally recognized day dedicated to raising awareness about autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and promoting acceptance and inclusion of individuals with autism. It falls on April 2nd each year and is part of a larger effort to foster a better understanding of autism, reduce stigma, and provide support to individuals and families affected by the condition.
The United Nations General Assembly designated April 2nd as World Autism Awareness Day in 2007. This day is marked by various events and activities around the world, including educational seminars, workshops, fundraising events, and social media campaigns. The aim is to spread information about autism, highlight the challenges faced by individuals with autism, celebrate their strengths and achievements, and promote the idea that every person with autism deserves respect, dignity, and equal opportunities.
Buildings and landmarks are often lit up in blue on this day, as blue is the internationally recognized color for autism awareness. The Autism Speaks organization, along with many other autism advocacy groups and organizations, plays a significant role in coordinating and promoting awareness events and initiatives on World Autism Awareness Day.
In recent years, the focus of autism awareness has shifted toward autism acceptance and understanding, emphasizing the value of neurodiversity and the unique perspectives and contributions that individuals with autism bring to society.
What is Autism?
Autism, also known as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that affects a person’s communication, social interaction, behavior, and sensory processing. It’s referred to as a “spectrum” disorder because it encompasses a wide range of symptoms and abilities that can vary greatly from person to person. The term “spectrum” reflects the diversity and individuality of people with autism.
Some common characteristics and challenges associated with autism include:
- Communication Difficulties: Individuals with autism might have trouble with verbal and nonverbal communication. This could include difficulty understanding social cues, gestures, facial expressions, tone of voice, and sarcasm. Some individuals might have limited speech or might not speak at all.
- Social Interaction Challenges: Many individuals with autism find social interactions and relationships challenging. They might struggle with understanding and navigating social norms, forming friendships, and engaging in reciprocal conversations.
- Repetitive Behaviors: People with autism might engage in repetitive behaviors or have highly focused interests. This could include repeating certain movements or phrases, becoming intensely interested in a specific topic, or adhering to rigid routines.
- Sensory Sensitivities: Many individuals with autism experience sensory sensitivities, which means they might be hypersensitive or hyposensitive to sensory stimuli such as lights, sounds, textures, and tastes.
- Strengths and Special Abilities: People with autism often possess unique strengths and abilities. Some individuals have exceptional memory skills, excel in certain academic areas, or display artistic talents.
- Executive Functioning Challenges: Executive functioning refers to cognitive processes such as planning, organizing, and managing time. Many individuals with autism struggle with these skills, which can impact daily activities and tasks.
It’s important to note that each person with autism is an individual with their own set of strengths, challenges, and characteristics. As our understanding of autism has grown, there has been a shift towards the concept of neurodiversity, which recognizes and values the natural variation in the human brain. This approach promotes acceptance and inclusion of individuals with autism and other neurological differences as valuable members of society.
Early intervention, behavioral therapies, educational support, and sometimes medication can help individuals with autism navigate their challenges and develop their strengths. However, it’s important to remember that every person with autism is unique, and interventions should be tailored to their specific needs and abilities.
Risk Factors for the Disorder
The condition has been found to either be genetic or chromosomal and in those who have been diagnosed, around 10% of them are also diagnosed with having Down syndrome, tuberous sclerosis, fragile X syndrome, or some other form of genetic/chromosomal disorder(s). A risk factor according to the CDC is older parents who conceive a child. Also, if a child is born premature or with a low birth weight are also at a higher risk of being autistic.
Autism Diagnosis
Autism can generally be diagnosed around the age of 2, but the CDC claims most are not diagnosed until the age of 4. The CDC also states that “studies have shown that parents of children with autism notice a developmental problem before their child’s first birthday. Concerns about vision and hearing were more often reported in the first year, and differences in social, communication, and fine motor skills were evident from 6 months of age.”
Those who have been diagnosed can have medical bills upwards of $6,200 per year (sometimes, even more, depending on the severity). The total cost of children (in 2011) who are diagnosed with autism in the United States is estimated to be as high as $60.9 billion. The bulk of this cost is coming from medical bills and special education.
What Can We Do to Support Those With the Disorder?
For starters, we need to have a better understanding as a society. It affects so many people, and it’s not just the individual who is affected. We need to have compassion and patience for everyone, regardless of their condition. Additionally, be proactive and get involved. I’m sure you see people walking around with the magnetic ribbons on their cars that look like the ribbon is made up of puzzle pieces. Many people are also wearing the color blue.
I’m not saying you NEED to go out and purchase something special to show your support, as not everyone has the financial means to do so. But, if you have a blue shirt, blue pants, blue hat, blue scarf, blue anything… Show your support for autism awareness by wearing it. Show your support for the entire month of April and support not only World Autism Day, but National Autism Awareness Month as well.
Source:
Facts provided by the CDC website
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