April is National Autism Awareness Month. April 2010 will be the first National Autism Awareness Month since the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revised the autism prevalence rate to one in 110 children. At no other point in recent history has the need for autism awareness been so important.
Prior to the 2009 revision, the autism prevalence rate was at one in 150 children. This represents a significant jump in autism spectrum disorder diagnoses in the four years that passed between the 2002 study results and the 2006 study results. There are many ways to promote autism awareness with the first step being an accurate look at how autism affects children in the United States.
Autism Statistics from the CDC
Ten communities participated in both the 2002 and 2006 autism studies and overall, the average increase of autism spectrum disorder diagnoses was 57 percent. One community actually reported a 95 percent increase in autism cases.
While an increase in healthcare professionals’ knowledge about autism spectrum disorders and how it manifests in children may be responsible for part of this increase, it is not the sole reason. This leads professionals and parents to continue to ask the question, “What causes autism?” Unfortunately, no one knows the answer but many possible causes are being researched.
Autism diagnoses are much more common in males than in females. According to the 2006 study results, one in 70 boys in the nation have an autism diagnosis while only one in 315 girls are on the autism spectrum.
Despite the myth that autism equals an intellectual disability, only 41% of children on the autism spectrum actually present with cognitive deficits.
Participate in an Autism Awareness Event
Join forces with others in the autism community and participate in one of the many events planned for the 2010 National Autism Awareness Month. The Autism Society of America (ASA) hosts a searchable database of autism awareness events planned in 2010.
For example, motorcycle enthusiasts in Jacksonville, Florida are invited to join the Eight Annual Ticket to Ride event on May 1, 2010. Approximately 750 motorcyclists will receive a police escort as they join forces to raise awareness about autism but also raise funds to benefit the Autism Society of America.
In addition to the adult-centered autism awareness events like the Ticket to Ride vent, the ASA has also partnered with the Pump It Up bounce center franchise to promote the Bounce for Autism fundraising events. To find a local event or organize a community team, visit the Bounce for Autism website.
Another way to raise autism awareness is to participate in one of the Walk Now for Autism Speaks events. Walks are scheduled across the country throughout the year including April 2010 events in California, Florida, and Pennsylvania.
As autism awareness increases, autism research will likely see an increase in funding. Although April has been designated as National Autism Awareness Month, awareness about autism spectrum disorders can continue year-round.
Source:
Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network Community Report (PDF)
Melissa Hincha-Ownby - Melissa is a life-long writer. She started her freelance writing career in the 8th grade when the editor of her small town’s ...
