Did you know April is Autism Awareness Month? While those of us at Spectrum Strategies work all year long to bring attention to the disease, now is a great time for others to get involved. Provide support for those individuals on the spectrum as well as their parents.
Autism Awareness Month acknowledges how far we’ve come in the fight against autism as well as how far we still have to go. This April, celebrate the milestones achieved by those on the spectrum, as it is no small feat.
Autism is the fastest growing developmental disorder in America. The disease affects a person’s ability to process information and identify social cues. Without support, family members of those on the spectrum can be overwhelmed with frustration. Generating awareness helps bridge the gap between people struggling with similar issues. It provides a place of comfort and understanding to those who feel lost.
Living with autism is a daily struggle. The amount of programs and funding available to young adults on the spectrum are numbered, causing parents to struggle to find a place for their child to continue to socialize and work towards finding a job.
Tomorrow, April 2nd, is Autism Awareness Day. To celebrate, thousands of people will come together to “Light It Up Blue” and shine a light on the disease. Spectrum Strategies challenges you to raise your voice on behalf of autism this month. There are many things you can do to support those affected by autism:
1. Get educated. Learn more about the spectrum and the 5 neurological disorders of which it is comprised.
2. Reach out to a family in need. Have a conversation with a family who has a child with the disease. It will provide you with an inside look at their day-to-day life and give you a better grasp on what resources they need.
3. Make a financial donation to an organization working on behalf of those affected by autism.
4. Volunteer to work with an organization supporting the cause.
5. Offer to babysit for a family who has an autistic child. They will appreciate a night out more than you know.
For more ways to celebrate Autism Awareness Month, click here.