Imagine that you have a child or brother or sister who can express basic needs or wants, or even tell you that they love you. Or imagine you are a teacher who has a student that sits in the corner repeating the same sounds over and over again. Very rarely do either of these children communicate or interact with their peers. They seemed locked in their own world without taking any interest in connecting with another person. For many millions of people this is their reality.
April 2 was designated as World Autism Awareness Day on December 18, 2007 by the United Nations General Assembly. The purpose of the day is to raise awareness of the disease that prevents children and adults from connecting with the world around them and to encourage early diagnosis and early intervention for them.
Autism has been steadily gaining press coverage and awareness in society. It not only affects people and their families, but society as a whole. With research, prevention, and intervention, one day people with Autism will be able to fully enjoy the world around them and be contributing members of society.
Below are some facts about the disease from Autism Speaks :
- Approximately 67 million people worldwide are affected by Autism.
- Autism is the fastest-growing serious developmental disability in the world.
- 1 in 150 children are diagnosed with Autism.
- More children will be diagnosed with Autism this year than with diabetes, cancer, and AIDS combined.
- Boys are four times more likely than girls to have Autism.
- There is currently not medical detection or cure for autism, but early diagnosis and intervention improve outcomes.
- Autism costs the US over $35 billion per year, a figure expected to significantly increase in the next decade.
- Autism receives less than 5% of the research funding of many less prevalent childhood diseases.
There are many things that can be done to help raise awareness of this disease, including:
- Being informed
- Supporting both local and national organizations
- Participating in fund raising events such as 5k run/walks
- Advocating for these people and their families.
Let's give these people a chance to enjoy the life they deserve.
