Sunday, April 21, 2024

How To Spread Awareness About Autism

Don't Miss

Don’t Be Afraid To Interact

Joe & Renae Ingles talk about raising son with autism, efforts to spread awareness

Patience is key to understanding the different reactions someone with autism may have to everyday occurrences. Children with autism in ABA therapy are learning to match their reactions to the actions they encountera skillset from which everyone can benefit.

Often a child with autism may initially misunderstand certain actions or language when heard. As a result, their emotions and comments in reaction may be off the typical mark because they’ve misread the intent of the message. As a result, people with autism may over- or under-react relative to neurotypical people in the same situation. What someone finds funny or understands to be a joke, can be seen by a person with autism as ridicule or mockery.

Understanding Autism Their Challenges And How Can You Help A World Autism Awareness Day Special

Do you know that April 2nd is internationally recognised as World Autism Awareness Day ? Every year, World Autism Awareness Day is observed to raise awareness and understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorder . On this day, communities come together, and thousands of people dress in BLUE to show support. Landmarks and buildings worldwide also light up BLUE to recognise individuals with autism and those who love and support them.Our team at Autism Partnership Singapore created a series of videos about ASD this April to provide accurate and positive information about ASD. The series aims to increase awareness about autism, reduce stigma and share ideas on supporting people with ASD and their loved ones. We invite you to learn more about ASD and join us in accepting and embracing their abilities.

World Autism Awareness Day Is Celebrated Every Year On April 2 Read To Know The History Behind This Day And Know Reason Behind The Celebration Read Here

The World Autism Awareness Day is celebrated each year on April 2 globally. It is celebrated with the goal of spreading awareness about Autism Spectrum Disorder . ASD is a developmental disorder which leads to the impairment of communication and social interaction skills in an individual.

Don’t Miss: Is The Good Doctor Actor Autistic

How To Show Support On Autism Awareness Day

World Autism Day is an annual celebration of autistic people to raise awareness of developmental disorders and neurodivergence.

You can show support on World Autism Day by posting about autism, celebrating neurodiversity at local events, and listening to the stories of neurodiverse individuals.

Activities To Help Raise Autism Awareness

Always Unique Hoodies Autism Awareness Spread ...

Purdue’s Bell Tower will be lit up in blue March 28-April 4 to commemorate World Autism Awareness Day on April 2 and national Autism Awareness Month. Alpha Xi Delta sorority philanthropic has partnered with Autism Speaks, the nation’s largest autism science and advocacy organization, to spread awareness in the international campaign “Light It Up Blue.” The “Light It Up Blue” campaign encourages landmarks, businesses and homes to use blue lights to raise awareness. The Empire State Building in New York and the CN Tower in Toronto are among the buildings that have been lit up in blue. Pledges to light up homes or offices in blue can be made by visiting www.lightitupblue.org.

The sorority also is sponsoring the Tony DeBlois Autism Awareness concert at 7 p.m. April 22 at St. Thomas Aquinas Center, 535 W. State St. Doors will open at 6:15 p.m. DeBlois, a musician who is blind and autistic and has savant syndrome, can play more than 20 instruments and has memorized more than 8,000 songs.

In addition, All for Autism Purdue University will hold an Autism Awareness Week Lemonade Stand from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 26 outside the Class of 1950 Lecture Hall. All for Autism Purdue University is raising funds to hold social events for local families with autistic children.

Read Also: Spd And Autism Difference

Ways You Can Raise Autism Awareness

April is Autism Awareness Month and a busy time when organizations and individuals are raising funds, increasing understanding, and breaking down stigmas regarding autism. It is a wonderful time to reflect on your own awareness and behaviors and that of your family. But autism awareness shouldnt be limited to just one month of the year. It is something that should be happening every single day.

Here are five ways that you can be proactive throughout the year:

1. Educate Yourself. Awareness starts with each person taking responsibility for themselves. Do your part to understand more about what autism is and how you can interact more effectively with individuals with autism. Keep an open mind and focus on everything these individuals can do, rather than what they may struggle with. Once you have a better understanding of autism, you can help others to do the same.

2. Attend Local Events. Get actively involved in supporting autism awareness and activities in your area. Many groups have local chapters and hold events throughout the year. Take your family or friends and show your support while learning more about their efforts and showing you care. Even better become a volunteer with these organizations and events.

5. Be a Positive Role Model. Pay attention to your own actions and words when it comes to autism. Set a good example for your children when interacting with others and helping those with autism to thrive. Make sure they feel accepted and included in your life.

Don’t Rush To Judgement

A common concern for parents of children with autism is often the judgement and sometimes harsh looks or comments from others when their child has a meltdown in public. Every child with autism is different, and their behaviors can be very different from other children.

When you see a parent who is struggling with a child who is acting out, please don’t rush to judgement about this behavior being the result of bad parenting or a spoiled child. It’s possible that child is overwhelmed or frustrated, and they are just expressing their stress response to the world at that moment, and no one is to blame.

We can all help by letting parents work through these issues with their child without being critical or disapproving.

Don’t Miss: Lowest Form Of Autism

Lets Create Accepting Communities

At the Autism Society of North Carolina, we focus on acceptance and inclusion, not just awareness. We want people with autism, and their families, to feel welcomed in their communities.

We want people to know about autisms challenges, so they can be more accommodating. But we also want them to know how their lives can be better when they include people with autism. People with autism have much to teach us, and they have unique gifts that can make our communities a better place to live for all of us.

Welcome To The I Support Foundation Tea Stall One Of The Most Pleasantly Offbeat Chai Shops In Bangalore

Teen Travels to Police Stations to Spread Autism Awareness | All Good

There is a small table set up neatly with two thermos flasks, some peanuts, a few earthen pots, and a banner saying I Support Foundation. The stall owners welcome you with smiling faces and gratefully take your order masala or plain tea, earthen cups or paper cups, some peanut masala to go the choice is yours.

Don’t Miss: Jeff Wittek Social Blade

Wear A Puzzle Ribbon Or A Blue T

The official Autism Awareness ribbon is a puzzle pattern. Although many may wear blue, a puzzle pattern gives a full explanation of the complexity of the disability. Wearing a puzzle ribbon is a great way to promote awareness because it makes an excellent opportunity to explain to others what the ribbon stands for. The different colors and shapes represent the diversity of the disability and the many different people and families it affects. The puzzle itself represents how complex the disability actually is, and the bright colors represent hope. I personally prefer to wear a cool t-shirt, like this one: Autism Awareness T-shirt Captain Autism T-shirt

Where To Turn If You Need Help

Parents will know when developmental milestones are not being met. There are common warning signs or behaviors that indicate a child may have autism, and its important to pay attention to these signs. Children should be screened for autism at 18 months and 24 months whether or not warning signs are prevalent. If a screening indicates the child may have ASD, then a formal diagnosis will need to be scheduled.

Centria Autism has a dedicated team of specialists that can help navigate the often complex and arduous diagnosis and insurance process to receive ABA therapy. To learn more or take advantage of this free service, please contact us at 855-77-AUTISM or learn more at www.CentriaAutism.com.

WDIV

Read Also: Can Speech Delay Mimic Autism

Ways To Spread Autism Awareness When April Is Over

As a practitioner and mother of a child diagnosed on the spectrum, the end of April tends to be a bittersweet time for me its when Autism Awareness Month comes to a close.

We get 30 days to connect with people who share a commonality and grow awareness.

I love all thirty of those days Not just because I can get away with putting on multiple shades of blue at one time, sport puzzle piece knee high socks and wear a superman cape .

I love those days because it gives me the opportunity to continuously educate others about an amazing group of people who are too often misunderstood.

I love those days because they remind me Im not alone in this journey and there are thousands of other people walking on the same road with me.

I have noticed that after April, the drive to spread awareness isnt as strong the social media posts, events and marketing of educational material begins to die down.

Imagine the impact that would be made if awareness was spread with the same drive and dedication the other 11 months out of the year.

Come May I will continue to speak out, share my stories and educate. I will continue to wear my blue and puzzle pieces proud. I encourage others to do the same.

The awareness of autism has come a long way over the past few years, from different research studies to well known events and books that educate our society and support the autism community.

Here are five tips that you can use that can help spread autism awareness through the year:

1. Read

Survey To Share Your Testimony

Always Unique Hoodies Autism Awareness Spread ...

A key element of the campaign will be sharing the voice and testimonies of autistic people and their families on what constitutes a good quality of life to foster positive change in society.

That is why we invite you to answer our survey and share your experiences! Also, it would be great if you can share the survey among your network.

Deadline to fill in the survey: March, 15 2022 23 59 CET

Link to the survey

Don’t Miss: Best Toys For Autistic 3 Year Olds

How To Support Autism Awareness Month This April

What is Autism Awareness Month?

Autism spectrum disorder is a complex developmental disorder that affects a persons ability to communicate and interact with others. More than 3.5 million Americans currently live with ASD, and 1 in 68 children are born with a variation of it, so its likely you know, whether or not youre aware of it, someone on the autism spectrum.

With a growing incidence in the country, The Autism Society was founded in 1965 and in the early 1970s began a nationwide campaign to raise awareness. The first National Autism Awareness Month occurred in April of 1970. Nearly 50 years later, April is still celebrated as a time to raise awareness around the differences of those on the spectrum, supporting people and educating the public on autism.

But what can you do to participate and how can you help support the cause?

How to Raise Awareness

Wear Blue on Autism Awareness Day. Within the month of April, there is a designated Autism Awareness Day, when Autism Speaks celebrates the beginning of its yearly campaign, Light It Up Blue. Many landmarks, buildings, homes and even people around the country light up blue to support people with autism. On April 2 this year, wear your favorite blue shirt to help raise awareness for this important day. Posting on social media with the hashtag #LIUB is a great way to show your support!

Autism Puzzle Ribbon

Donating to Credible Organizations

Actions That Show Support

A Letter To School Principals About Spreading Autism Awareness

Dear principals,

Back to school is finally here! In the next coming weeks, you will be presented with countless challenges along with successes as your students and teachers transition for the new academic year. I know your plates will be full, but for five minutes today, I want to share something I think will make a difference and have an impact on at least one, if not more, of your students.

And that thing is autism awareness.

I have a personal story when it comes to this topic. When I was 4, I was diagnosed with autism. The number of people diagnosed with autism when I was diagnosed were one in every 1,000, not the one in 68 we have today. Back then, very few people knew what autism even was. I was one of the only kids in my classes who had autism. Today, its more common to know someone on the spectrum or someone connected in some way to a person on the spectrum.

Having autism and going to school can be challenging. During this time, many students with autism are dealing with difficult transitions as they get accustomed to a new structure. This used to be one of my most challenging struggles in schools. I had a routine during the summer, and all of a sudden, it felt like it was stolen from me. Other things, such as difficulty making friends, bullying, twirling my hair, reading comprehension and much more, made me scared about whether I would ever be able to succeed in school.

What a great world that would be to live in.

Sincerely,Kerry

Image via Thinkstock Images

Recommended Reading: High Functioning Autism Vs Adhd

Houston Man Aiming To Raise Awareness About Autism And Acceptance

HOUSTON Throughout the month of April, KPRC 2 is honoring World Autism Awareness month. The goal is to raise awareness and shine the spotlight on resources for families living with autism, while also striving for more understanding, kindness, and acceptance surrounding a disorder thats often misunderstood.

In KPRC 2s Voices of Houston series, we are profiling a Houston man who has made it his mission to raise awareness about Autism Spectrum Disorder after his young niece was diagnosed with it six years ago.

Joey Moppert is a longtime volunteer of Autism Speaks Houston, an organization aimed at equipping families with the resources they need to help a loved one with autism, and also help create a more inclusive world lead with awareness and understanding. A mission thats become close to his heart after his 13-year-old niece, Lily, was diagnosed at just 7 years old.

Lily is so full of joy and energy, a lot of energy, and shes just an amazing human being, said Moppert, She was diagnosed at the age of 7, and since then my sister had just been processing everything and learning how to get the resources she needs.

Following Lilys autism diagnosis, Moppert said he wanted to learn more about ASD so he attended his first Autism Speaks walk, and for him, the rest is history. From there, he began volunteering at many of the organizations events, including the Autism Speaks Annual Chefs Gala, which raised $100,000 for autism awareness in 2019.

Spend Time With People On The Spectrum

Joe & Renae Ingles discuss autism journey, efforts to spread awareness and acceptance

There are many impactful stories about autism are the ones where a non-autistic person shares how someone with autism changed their life. A lot of times people don’t know very much about autism but are pleasantly surprised when they meet someone on the spectrum and start to get to know them a little better.

No matter how much you read and study, you’re never entirely going to understand autism unless you interact with people who live it. That’s when you see how unique and strong people with autism are.

Don’t Miss: Does James Holzhauer Have Asperger’s

Promote Ability Not Disability

People who know a little about autism are aware of the stereotypical symptoms, like language difficulties and repetitive behaviors. Many people are not aware that some people with autism can live relatively healthy lives, or that autistic individuals have many strengths that other people don’t have.

When you’re spreading autism awareness, remember to share the good things as well as the bad. Promote the achievements and abilities of people with autism instead of only focusing on what people on the spectrum struggle with or can’t do.

Increasing Diagnoses Gives Reason For Increased Awareness

The latest estimate by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention determined in late 2018 there was a 15-percent increase in prevalence among young children diagnosed with ASD, bringing the national average to 1 in 59 children, from 1 in 68 just two years prior. This translates into about 65,000 to 70,000 children this year having the diagnosis.

It may be hard to pinpoint a child with autism by the symptoms presented and that is often because the severity and variety of symptoms range for each person with the diagnosis from low- to high-functioning autismthat’s one reason it’s called a spectrum disorder.

When a child with autism is diagnosed, often doctors or BCBAs will recommend 25 or more hours per week of Applied Behavior Analysis therapy. ABA therapy can help all those diagnosed with autism to be a more functioning, productive members of societylearning vital communication and interpersonal skills as they grow, live, and work in society.

Also Check: Does Autism Cause Early Death

More articles

Popular Articles