April 2nd was World Autism Awareness Day and on that day major landmarks including the Empire State Building, George Washington Bridge and even Niagara Falls were lit up blue to show their support for autism. Thousands of buildings, including college campuses are lighting up blue this month. IUP is no exception as students can expect to certain parts of the campus turned blue for Autism Awareness Month. Since the 1970’s April has been assigned as the month to educate the public about autism and increase awareness about this growing disability.
1 in 88 children in the United States are diagnosed with autism and though our knowledge on the subject has come along way, there is still a lot of research to be done. To prevent the disability from becoming more prevalent, advocate groups look to find ways to challenge the ignorance, misconception and hysteria about autism. Groups behind Autism Awareness Month strive to encourage others to accept the autistic community and spread the word that autism is a neurological disability and a natural part of human diversity.
Because autism has become more prevalent and more efforts have been made to increase awareness, research on the disability has expanded significantly. Though research has become more developed over the last 20 years, there is still a lot to discover.
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HerCampus compiled a list of facts to provide our readers with more knowledge on the matter.
1. Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a group of developmental disabilities that can cause significant social, communication, and behavioral challenges. There are three types: Autistic disorder, Asperger syndrome and Pervasive Developmental Disorder.
2. The age that most children start showing symptoms of autism is between 18 and 24 months.
3. Autism disorders affect all nationalities, all creeds, all religions, all races and both sexes. It doesn’t differentiate or affect only one group or another.
4. Scientists aren’t certain what causes ASD, but believe that genetics and environment play a role
5. Based on statistics from the U.S. Department of Education and other governmental agencies, autism is growing at a rate of 10-17% per year. At these rates, it is estimated that the prevalence of autism could reach four million Americans in the next decade.
6. Children with autism do not have pain or other sensation filters; they feel everything more intently.
7. Autism seems to have a genetic link and run in families.
8. Autism is the fastest-growing developmental disability in the U.S yet receives less than 5% of the research funding of many less prevalent childhood diseases
9. Autism is consistent around the globe, but is four times more prevalent in males than females.
10. There is no medical detection or cure for autism
If you would like to contribute and make a difference, there are several ways that you can get involved:
- Wednesday 9-5 on April 10th- Alpha Xi Delta’s Autism Quarter Mile on Philadelphia Street
- Tuesday at 6:30 April 23rd- Autism Awareness Presentation in Stephenson G-41
- Purchase an Autism Speaks bracelet or blue light bulb in the Hub throughout the month of April
- Sign a petition to request Obama and congress develop and implement a national plan to address autism http://action.lightitupblue.org/c.arKQI4MBIgI4E/b.8566551/k.66A7/Give_Hope_Take_Action/siteapps/advocacy/ActionItem.aspx
- For other ways to get involved go to http://www.autismspeaks.org/ways-give?utm_source=autismspeaks.org&utm_content=ways-to-give&utm_medium=menu&utm_campaign=waysgive
Sources: ( http://autismmclean.org/understandingAutism/autismFacts), (http://www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism/facts-about-autism), (http://autismsd.com/interesting-facts-about-autism/)