Autism Acceptance Month Resources
April is Autism Acceptance Month! This month, we are excited to celebrate and promote acceptance for the condition that occurs in one in every 36 children (U.S. 2023). Autism Acceptance Month encourages individuals to focus on acceptance, celebrate differences, and be more inclusive. This month also serves as a reminder to be empathetic, warm, and welcoming to individuals with autism and their families.
WHAT IS AUTISM? Autism, often referred to as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a brain developmental disorder caused by genetic mutation and sometimes, environmental triggers. ASD may affect an individual’s behavior, ability to interact, communicate, and progress.
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OR SYMPTOMS OF AUTISM? ASD can vary in severity of symptoms, age of onset, and the presence of various features such as language and intellectual ability. Individuals with ASD may: Interact with others differently. They may have difficulty understanding and expressing emotions or will convey personal attachment in a different manner. Not effectively use spoken language. Some have echolalia, a repeating of words or phrases that have been said to them. People with autism often have difficulty understanding the nonverbal aspect of language such as social cues, body language and vocal qualities (pitch, tone, and volume). Have difficulty relating to objects and events. They may have a great need for "sameness" that can make them upset if objects in their environment or time schedules change. Children with autism may not "play" with toys in the same manner as their peers and may become fixated to specific objects. Overreact to sensory stimuli that they see, hear, touch, feel or taste. Or, conversely, they may not react at all to various stimuli from the environment. Have a different rate of development, especially in the areas of communication, social and cognitive skills. In contrast, motor development may occur at a typical rate. Sometimes skills will appear in children with autism at the expected rate or time and then disappear.
Autism Spectrum Disorder is a lifelong disability that is generally diagnosed before the age of three years old. However, children are often misdiagnosed or not diagnosed until later in life.