ANDRUS celebrates Autism Awareness

April 26, 2017

April 26^st 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 26^st 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!

Testimonials

I just wanted to say Thank You!

My daughter has been at Andrus for over 1 year now. I am so proud of her and what she has accomplished in the past year. I owe it all to the wonderful staff. There are always going to be hiccups along the way, but we get through them. I love spending time at the cottage. I adore the girls too!! I was talking to a couple of girls and staff and told them that the cottage is my home. I explained that since my daughter is there, that is home and that everyone there is my family. Boy, did I get some great smiles. I can go on and on. I just want to thank you again for giving her that chance. I have never once regretted my decision to have my daughter at Andrus.

Mother of an ANDRUS resident

Parent

I have worked at ANDRUS for two years so far and have been impacted greatly by the people here. The children are so resilient and the direct care staff are completely selfless, putting the kids before themselves time and time again.

Member of the ANDRUS staff

Staff Member

Since she returned home, I've reflected a bit on my daughter's lengthy interview process, concerns the team had during her initial months with us, and then compare to where she is now. And, Wowsers! It's clear that with support from so many, my daughter has grown in ways that were once difficult to imagine- in part because you all kept believing and nurturing hope... and there you have it ;).

Mother of female Orchard School student

Parent

Her transformation began at Andrus, where love, patience, encouragement, and the right interventions at the right time literally saved her life and mine.