ANDRUS celebrates Autism Awareness
April 26, 2017

April 26st is Autism Awareness Day at ANDRUS!
ANDRUS is celebrating Autism Awareness Day in order to promote understanding of the diagnosis, help remove stigma from affected children and teach ways to support them and their families. On April 26st we wear the color BLUE to show our support and explore many learning and activity stations promoting Awareness.
Below is a fact sheet prepared by the National Autism Association. Take a minute and read this information, and please feel free to share it!
What is Autism?
- Autism impacts the normal development of the brain in the areas of social interaction, communication skills, and cognitive function. Individuals with autism typically have difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions, and leisure or play activities
- Autism is a bio-neurological developmental disability that generally appears before the age of 3- We are able to diagnose this at a very early age thanks to growing interest and success in researching Autism.
- Individuals with autism often suffer from numerous co-morbid medical conditions which may include: allergies, asthma, epilepsy, digestive disorders, persistent viral infections, feeding disorders, sensory integration dysfunction, sleeping disorders, and more
- Autism is diagnosed four times more often in boys than girls. Its prevalence is not affected by race, region, or socio-economic status. Since autism was first diagnosed in the U.S. the incidence has climbed to an alarming one in 68 children in the U.S.
- Currently there is no cure for autism, though with early intervention and treatment, the diverse symptoms related to autism can be greatly improved and in some cases completely overcome.
Autism Facts & Stats
- Autism now affects 1 in 68 children
- About 40% of children with autism do not speak. About 25%–30% of children with autism have some words at 12 to 18 months of age and then lose them. Others might speak, but not until later in childhood
- Autism greatly varies from person to person (no two people with autism are alike)
- The rate of autism has steadily grown over the last twenty years
- Comorbid conditions often associated with autism include Fragile X, allergies, asthma, epilepsy, bowel disease, gastrointestinal/digestive disorders, persistent viral infections, PANDAS, feeding disorders, anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, ADHD, Tourette Syndrome, OCD, sensory integration dysfunction, sleeping disorders, immune disorders, autoimmune disorders, and neuroinflammation.
- Autism is the fastest growing developmental disorder, yet most underfunded
Please enjoy this interview with former ANDRUS resident Chaim Bamberger on Autism Awareness!