People with autism deal with a wide range of reactions from others, from full support to uncaring ignorance.
And even those who are supportive may not understand autism very well. This leads to stereotypes which can result in hatred, embarrassment, or other unjust situations.
World Autism Awareness Day launches World Autism Month -- an opportunity to be educated about autism, and how you can help create an environment where people with autism can reach their full potential.
Here are just a few statistics and facts about autism.
In 2021, the CDC reported that approximately 1 in 44 children in the U.S. is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Boys are four times more likely to be diagnosed with autism than girls.
Most children were still being diagnosed after age 4, though autism can be reliably diagnosed as early as age 2.
31% of children with ASD have an intellectual disability (intelligence quotient [IQ] <70), 25% are in the borderline range (IQ 71–85), and 44% have IQ scores in the average to above-average range (i.e., IQ >85).
Autism affects all ethnic and socioeconomic groups.
Minority groups tend to be diagnosed later and less often.
Early intervention affords the best opportunity to support healthy development and deliver benefits across the lifespan.
Over the next decade, an estimated 707,000 to 1,116,000 teens will enter adulthood and age out of school-based autism services.
Many young adults with autism do not receive any healthcare for years after they stop seeing a pediatrician.
Research demonstrates that job activities that encourage independence reduce autism symptoms and increase daily living skills.
Symptoms of Autism include. . .
Behaviors such as:
repetitive body movements or motions with objects,
touching objects in a set order, and
need for the same daily schedule.
Social and communication challenges may include things such as:
spoken language,
gestures,
eye contact,
tone of voice,
expressing emotions,
feeling overwhelmed in social settings
If you believe your child may exhibit some of the signs of autism, there is a Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers that you take online. If you have any questions or concerns, speak to a doctor for a professional evaluation.
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In the spirit of World Autism Awareness Day and World Autism Month, make time to educate yourself so you can better relate to and create more understanding and acceptance of persons with autism both in your community and worldwide.
And consider taking the pledge to create a world where all people with autism can reach their full potential.
