Autism Awareness Month💗🎉

Every year on April 2nd, World Autism Awareness Day is internationally recognized. The purpose of this celebratory day is to encourage the Member States of the United Nations to take more measures to raise awareness about people with autism. This year it was the 11th annual World Autism Awareness Day celebrated. With participation from the international community, thousands of landmarks, homes, buildings, and communities celebrate and recognize this day by decorating and wearing light blue. Autism-friendly events and educational activities take place throughout the whole month to increase the understanding and acceptance to foster worldwide support. Every year, autism organizations around the world celebrate the day with unique fundraising and awareness-raising events. The light blue color generally associates with the Autism Speaks Organisation.

The universal sign of Autism is the puzzle ribbon, which was adopted in 1999. The Autism Awareness Puzzle Ribbon reflects the complexity of the Autism spectrum. The different shades and colors represent the diversity of the families who live with the condition. The Puzzle Ribbon was designed by Gerald Gasson, a parent and former board member of the National Autistic Society (formerly known as The Society for Autistic Children) in London, UK.

 

There are 3 branches/types of Autism:

1. Autistic Disorder
   • Autistic Disorder is a neurological and developmental disorder that usually appears during the first 3 (to so) years of life.
   • The focus with children who live with this condition is to keep a consistent routine with involved an interest in repeatedly showing odd behaviors.
   • The most common type of Autism
   • The condition that most comes to mind when people hear the word “Autism.”
2. Asperger Syndrome
   • Another developmental disorder that relates to autism and is characterized by the person having awkwardness during social interactions (particularly in speech and very narrow interests).
3. Persuasive Developmental Disorder
   • Also known as “Atypical Autism” or “PDD”
   • A group of disorders which are characterized by a delay in the development of communication skills and socialization.
   • Indicators of this disorder can be noted during infancy.

Wear LIGHT BLUE this month in honor of Autism Awareness Month! *Ends on April 30th!*

For more information visit: Autism Spectrum Education Network, Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin,  and National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.