April 2nd is the International Autism Awareness Day. As per CDC 1 in 54 children have been identified in the Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Since 2012 in the new DSM5, a diagnosis of ASD now includes several conditions that used to be diagnosed separately: autistic disorder, pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS), and Asperger syndrome. These conditions are now all called Autism Spectrum Disorder.
ASD is a development disorder and does not present any physical characteristics and it can be considered an invisible disability, and because it is a spectrum not two people present the same signs. Autism is mostly known for affecting social, emotional and communication skills, and it may or many present cognitive delays, very high IQ, genius, and/or savant abilities. ASD falls under the umbrella of neurodiversity, a way of looking at the world and learning from it in a different way.
Recent studies have shown that Autistic females do not show the same traits as males, non-functional play is observed in boys with lining up of cars, while in females it may be dolls, yet evaluation questions are structured based on male traits missing the signs in females. It is more common in females to mask ASD at a very young age in order to fit in, many of these girls struggle through school and work life not realizing they are in the spectrum and go without proper support, many do not obtain a diagnosis until much later in life some into their adult years.
Autism can present differently in people and it has no cure, but with proper evaluation and treatment especially at an early age through early intervention the sooner the person can start receiving the proper support needed to achieve their goals.
How to learn more:
- Talk to your doctor about ASD if you are unsure whether you or a family member may be on the Spectrum and seek an evaluation.
- Reach out to someone on the spectrum or a family member that knows someone on the spectrum, they are always willing to share their knowledge
- Research Autism in the CDC, DSM5 etc
- Contact your local Autism organizations or support groups
How to help:
- Donate to a local organization that supports the Autism community
- Be more inclusive in school or work with someone with ASD
- Try to accommodate or enhance the environment into more Sensory Friendly
- Speak up about accessibility and ways to improve your community
Beyond Awareness
In the NuPrisma Resource Center you can find many a variety of directory resources from therapist to education and employment. Autism Awareness day is a global effort, many local organizations are not only bringing awareness, but striving for acceptance and a more inclusive world.
