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April 2nd is Autism Awareness Day. 

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Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects how people process information.  People with Autism have challenges with social interaction, sensory processing and communication.   There are different spectrums of Autism.   Autism often can co-occur with ADHD and learning disabilities.  Autism is a life-long condition.  A special needs professional can help determine which learning strategies are best for each individual person with Autism.  Treatment can vary person-to-person.   People with Autism interact with others differently.  They have difficulty understanding and expressing emotions, some do not develop effective spoken language skills and could engage in echolalia (repeat words), and have difficulty understanding non-verbal cues and body language.  They also like to engage in repetitive behavior and activities.  Children with Autism learn at a different pace from others, so their communication, social and cognitive skills are usually delayed.

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It is best to see a doctor who is familiar with Autism and get a diagnosis, earlier rather than later, so that you or the person you know can get the help and accommodations that are needed.  Educational support, intervention, and speech therapy are critical.  The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is an organization committed to the attainment of physical, mental, and social well-being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults with Autism and other disorders.   Help spread awareness about Autism, so that parents who have children with Autism and people living with Autism do not feel isolated and different.  Having any neurological disability is not anything to be embarrassed about, you just have to educate yourself on effective treatment and utilize the resources that are available.   

 

You can also educate your child, if they have a friend or classmate who has Autism, so that they understand the characteristics of the disorder and how to best engage with someone who has Autism and not make fun of him/her.  You can visit the website linked below for more information and resources: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/Autism/Pages/default.aspx

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April 2nd is World Autism Day.  Happy World Autism Day! 

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By Dietra Myers