In addition to discussing the difference awareness for this month, I will go ahead and add that the month of August does not have any differences for awareness assigned to it. So, there will be no difference awareness post for the month of August. Now, onto this months differences awareness!
On April 2 it was World Autism Awareness Day. On this day every year awareness of Autism is shared internationally all over the world. World Autism Awareness day, helps to educate people on the symptoms, signs, causes, and what Autism is as a whole. Some fun facts and information on Autism according to Autism Speaks are, 1) It was determined in 2018 that approximately 1 in 59 children are diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder or (ASD). 2) Statistically based on gender 1 in 37 boys and 1 in 151 girls get diagnosed with autism. 3) This difference can be diagnosed in a child as early as age 2, but on average most children were still being diagnosed after age 4. 4) Boys are four times more likely to be diagnosed with autism than girls. 5) Autism affects all ethnic and socioeconomic groups. 6) People and children who are a part of minority groups typically end up being diagnosed later and less often. 7) It should be noted that there is no medical detection for autism. 8) Early intervention tends to be best, for a better opportunity to support healthy development and deliver the best benefits across the lifespan.
Some of the causes of Autism Spectrum Disorder include, based on research genetics are involved in a vast majority of cases. Children who are born to older parents tend to be at a higher risk of being diagnosed with autism. Parents to have a child that is born and diagnosed with Autism have a 2 to 18 percent chance of having another child who could also be affected by autism. These are just a few tidbits and facts about autism! I hope you enjoyed this! Feel free to go to www.autismspeaks.org/ for more information on things such as Intervention and Supports, Challenges Associated with this difference, and many more things!
A perfect description I saw TED's Instagram post of what some people with autism experience was, "Imagine going to a concert but being unable to block out any of the noises, touches, smells, and movements happening around you. Whispers sound like screams, a tiny nudge is painful, flashing lights are blinding. That is the reality for many kids with autism, particularly those with sensory processing issues. They often can't filter out sensory input like those with neurotypical processing systems. To relieve the pressure and cope, they might cry, cover their ears, close their eyes, scream, hit or perform some other repetitive behavior. As a result, places like zoos, arenas, and museums are particularly difficult for these children and their parents-especially when other people don't understand the behavior. Julian Maha and Michele Kong have a six-year-old with autism, and they are familiar with the social stigma around the difference (disorder). They founded a nonprofit called KultureCity, which aims to change the way we treat people with sensory differences. They're working to train employees in public places to teach them how to work compassionately and safely with people who have sensory issues. "Autistic individuals have great potential, but we have to give them a chance," says Julian. "We need to create environments where they can thrive, where they can learn better ways to teach themselves. We need to help communities understand." To learn more about the incredible progress KultureCity has made, visit go.ted.com/kulturecity"
As Always, it is important to remember that ANYONE who has ANY TYPE of difference, all they want it to be treated with kindness, respect and care just like everyone else! They just want to feel included, and not feel like they are as different from others as people can make them feel. So, always be sure to try and include anyone and everyone no matter where you are or what you're doing! Sometimes the smallest acts of kindness can have the greatest impacts on people!