Autism Awareness

Autism has been increasing in numbers during the past 40 years. Even more so in the last year. As we mentioned last year, nearly 1 in 88 children will be diagnosed this year with the disorder. Now it’s 1 in 68 American children will be diagnosed with Autism; more specifically, 1 in 42 boys. Although Autism is increasing in numbers, some people are still unfamiliar with what this disorder means or how it may affect their children if they were to become diagnosed. Autism is a childhood brain disorder that affects the social abilities, communication, and motor skills of children with the disease. The fact that Autism is a disorder means that it can have a variety of effects on different people. Each child that is diagnosed may display different symptoms, but commons symptoms may include:

Social challenges
Communication difficulties
Repetitive behaviors

Autism costs a family about $60,000 a year on average. We ask that you show your support by donating money to the cause, educating your family and friends, asking your political representatives to support autism legislation, or volunteering your time to children suffering with the disease. Any of these things can make a real difference in the lives of children with autism. There is currently no medical detection or cure for autism, but creating awareness and educating others is always an important first step.

As a parent, it’s important for you to be aware of what you should look for in the early signs of autism. The following bullets may indicate that your child is at risk, but it’s important to ask your pediatrician or doctor for an evaluation. Each child is different, your child may experience some of these signs, none of these signs, or all of these signs; but some things you may want to look out for may be:

No joyful expressions by six months
No sharing of sounds or facial expressions by nine months
No babbling by 12 months
No hand gestures by 12 months
No words by 16 months
Many children develop normally up to age 24 months and then lose some or all of the above skills

Learn more about these signs on Autism Speaks. Again, your child may not experience any of these symptoms, but if your child seems to be developing different than other children, you may want to consult your doctor.

The Ward’s Apparel family can empathize with the many struggles these families face, as their grandson Jeff has autism.

Each year, the Morgan County Autism Foundation holds an Annual Autism Walk in April. This year they will be having their event September 27 at Neil Armstrong Elementary School in Mooresville from 12-3.

Blog

Social Media Links