Autism Awareness Month Begins Today

Today marks the start of National Autism Awareness Month -- a month the Autism Society says draws attention to the increasing need for "concern and awareness" about the condition being called a national epidemic.

About 1 in 110 children in the U.S. has an ASD, an 'autism spectrum disorder' -- developmental disabliites that can cause social, behavioral and communication challenge.

More people than ever are being diagnosed with ASDs, but there's no definitive answer whether that is due to broadening definitions of what actually constitutes an ASD, better diagnosis efforts or an actual increase in the number of people with ASDs.

Though experts and advocates have engaged in increasingly heated discussions over autism's possible causes, the consensus is that the condition typically appears in children age three and younger. There is no cure, but treatments do exist and can range from behavior and communication therapies to medications aimed at controlling some of the symptoms.

More cutting-edge therapies exist, too. Recently, a robot named Kaspar got attention for its ability to help children with autism. The robot, of which there are several versions, is programmed to smile, frown and laugh, helping them learn and understand key facial interactions. Certain iPhone and iPad applications are also being used as educational tools for autistic children.

This autism awareness month, are you interested in helping out?

The Autism Society suggests that you seek out local society chapter events or even establish your own. It also encourages people to get involved in its "Vote4Autism" advocacy campaign. You can also check out organizations like Autism Speaks, the world's largest autism advocacy group.

Comments

[peter ricci]

06:46 PM on 04/02/2011

I recently became involved through a project with http://www.thevictoryschool.org and I can tell you first hand - the men and women at this school are community heroes. You only need to spend a few hours to realize just what an amazing role the parents and teachers play in the lives of these children. Led by the wonderful Thalya Olmos and her team are the most patient and courageous people you can find. If you get a chance to donate money or time to your local center please do so!

[Shelly Roses]

01:52 PM on 04/02/2011

As a mother of a autistic son and Scentsy rep, I thought I would share this with everyone for the month of April. Help support Autism Speaks by purchasing this adorable Scentsy Large Warmer that has puzzle pieces designed on it and blue hearts inside the puzzles for $35. Visit my website at https://shellyroses.scentsy.us for detailed information and picture. You can place your order online and as a special thankyou for helping the cause I will send a surprise scent to use with warmer!

[MamatoG]

11:32 AM on 04/02/2011

Why do stories like this continue to promote the idea that we're not sure if there is an actual increase in the incidence of autism when the scientists have told the senate that YES, there is an actual increase and NO, it's not due to better diagnosis and NO, it's not a genetic epidemic and YES, the increase is due to environmental triggers