This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Broward chapter.
This is to my friend Sandy Trager, who is passionate about her fellow peers with a disability!
Here is more on Autism Awareness Month!
What is Autism?
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex developmental disability that affects, in varying degrees, a person’s ability to communicate and interact with others. Autism usually appears within the first three years of a person’s life.
Common Behaviors Associated with Autism. Someone with Autism can express many or just a few of these behaviors:
- Delayed learning of language.
- Difficulty making eye contact.
- Difficulty holding a conversation.
- Difficulty with executive function.
- Narrow intense interests.
- Poor motor skills.
- Poor sensory sensitivity.
- Problems with verbal and nonverbal communication.
- Lack of interest in peer relationships.
How Many People Have Autism?
- Today: 1 in 68 American children have Autism.
- 2004: 1 in 125 American children have Autism.
- Males: 1 in 42 boys have Autism.
- Females: 1 in 189 girls have Autism.
Raising Awareness for Autism:
- Participate in a fundraising event in your community.
- Wear an Autism Awareness pin.
- Make a donation to an Autism charity.
- Volunteer for a local Autism support group.
Remember these everyday when you talk to, speak, or even see a person on the Autism Spectrum:
- Autism is NOT who a person is. It is something that affects the way they may talk, feel, act, and learn.
- People with Autism are NOT ignoring you, sometimes they just don’t know how to respond.
- People with Autism like to make friends just like you!
- People with Autism have the same feelings as you do, but may show them differently.
- NOT being ABLE to SPEAK is NOT the same as having nothing to SAY.
- Every behavior is an attempt to communicate!