Spreading Autism Awareness

Current statistics (from the Centers for Disease Control, March 2014) state that one in every 68 children is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Years ago autism was associated with low verbal and mental ability and stereotyped behaviors, but the diagnosis now also encompasses many who are very intelligent, may have average or exceptional verbal ability, and have numerous other strengths. People with autism (or Asperger's Syndrome or Pervasive Developmental Disorder/PDD) traditionally struggle with social interactions. There is much that everyone can do to help them, through understanding and a willingness to provide missing social information. To find out more about ASD and available resources and programming, go to www.socialincites.com.  
 
The month of April is designated each year as “Autism Awareness Month.” Thursday, April 2 is World Autism Awareness Day, with a special emphasis this year on employment, a topic that is near and dear to our hearts as employment coaches and job developers. We encourage you to learn more by reading this article.
 
There are many ways to promote autism awareness:
 
1. Send the preceding announcement to at least one or two other people, media sources, etc. (consider school or employee newsletters, radio stations, newspapers, friends, relatives, web sites, etc.)
2. Organize a "Wear Jeans to Work Day" or other fundraiser with proceeds going to an autism-related organization.
3. Give a copy of my booklet ASD to Z: Basic Information, Support, and Hope for People Living with Autism Spectrum Disorders to a co-worker, neighbor, teacher, or relative, or leave one in your local library, health food store, or other location.
4. Provide an evening of respite for parents with a child with ASD.
5. Donate a book about ASD to your local library.
6. Write a note to a person with ASD, stating what you appreciate most about him or her.
7. Read a book about autism. We’ve provided some suggestions on our web site.
8. Take time to talk to someone about autism, and be sure to mention the positive aspects of the diagnosis!
9. Schedule an autism presentation for your school or other organization.
10. Hire a person with autism! Many are loyal, hard-working, and detail-oriented.
11. Your ideas…There are countless ways to make this world a better place through people with ASD and for people with ASD (and all of us)! We hope you’ll share some of those on our Facebook page!
 
During the next month, we will highlight various aspects of people with autism in our Social Incites™ weekly email and on our Facebook page. We will also be giving away some autism-related resources, so be sure to watch for your chance to win.
 
Thank you for the work you are doing to provide valuable insights on autism in your home and around your community. Together, we can make a significant impact!