Today is World Autism Awareness Day!

2009 April 2

by photomommy

World Autism Awareness Day

April 1, 2009, 5:28pm

To encourage all member states to take measures to raise awareness of autism in society, the United Nations General Assembly supported a campaign to promote early diagnosis and intervention on autism and set April 2 of each year as World Autism Awareness Day.

Autism or Autistic Syndrome Disorder is a development disorder that affects the way a person communicates with and relates to people around him. It is usually first noticed when a child reaches the age of three and is basically identified by three areas of difficulty for the autistic person: Social relationships and communications, imagination and planning, and repetitive behaviors.

Some people with autism may never learn to talk. They engage in repetitive movements. They have a reduced sensitivity to pain but are abnormally sensitive to sound, touch, and other sensory stimulation. Some speak in a sing-song voice on topics, with little regard for the interests of the person to whom they are speaking. The autistic person may appear aloof and indifferent to those around him. He may be sociable with one person but may not be able to function in a group.

The cause of autism is not known and last throughout a person’s lifetime. Recent studies, however, strongly suggest that some have a genetic predisposition to autism. Researchers are looking for clues about genes that contribute to this increased susceptibility. Evidence also suggests that some emotional disorders such as manic depression occur more frequently than average in the families of people with autism. There is no cure but treatment can help. Treatments can include behavior and communication therapies and medicines to control symptoms. There are many strategies for helping an autistic child or person but the best ones are based on understanding the individual.

World Autism Awareness Day expresses deep concern for the prevalence and high rate of autism in children, the consequent developmental challenges it brings, and highlights autism as a growing global health crisis. The day also celebrates the unique skills and talents of people with autism. By bringing together all autism organizations worldwide on this day, we can give a voice to the millions of individuals who are undiagnosed, misunderstood, and looking for help.

Let us join together in our efforts to empower and respond to the needs of the autistic, and inspire compassion, inclusion, and hope vital to their cause.

This article on Autism Awareness Day is courtesy of Manilla Bulletin Publishing Corporation.

Facts and Statistics

1 in 150 births
1 to 1.5 million Americans
Fastest-growing developmental disability
10 – 17 % annual growth
$90 billion annual cost
90% of costs are in adult services
Cost of lifelong care can be reduced by 2/3 with early diagnosis and intervention
In 10 years, the annual cost will be $200-400 billion

Autism Statistics courtesy of the Autism Society of America.