World Autism Awareness Day

Wednesday, April 2, 2008

13 years ago I began working with children diagnosed with Autism. When this journey began, 1 in 5,000 children were diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Today Autism is the fastest growing disorder affecting our children. While the statistics are growing in epidemic proportions, one thing has stayed true. A child with Autism is a child first. As parents, aunts, uncles, sisters, brothers, cousins, and grandparents how far are we willing to go to help our children and future children that may be or are affected by this disorder.

We need to be doing everything and anything possible to give children the opportunities they deserve with as little roadblocks as possible. Make yourself aware of the warning signs. Don't be afraid to question your doctor and get a screening. Please know that early intervention is the best intervention in achieving progress with this disorder.



Did you know...

-Autism affects as many as 1 in 150 children and 1 in 94 boys (see this FAQ for more)
-Autism is the fastest-growing serious developmental disability in the world
-More children will be diagnosed with autism this year than with diabetes, cancer, & AIDS combined
-Boys are four times more likely than girls to have autism
-There is no medical detection or cure for autism, but early diagnosis and intervention improve outcomes
-Autism does not discriminate by geography, class, or ethnicity


April 2 is the day that has been designated to raising awareness of Autism. Spread the word!

1 comments:

Anonymous said...

GREAT post, Tami. Children with autism hold a special place in my heart, too.