Autism Awareness Month
April is Autism Awareness Month — a time to promote awareness, action, inclusion, acceptance and appreciation for those individuals living with Autism Spectrum Disorders and their families and friends.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that impairs a child’s ability to communicate and interact with others — it can cause significant impairment in social, occupational and other areas of life. ASD is referred to as a spectrum because it includes a very wide range of behaviors, skills, and levels of disability.
As we raise awareness and help to create a community where all individuals are embraced and respected, we celebrate the unique contributions of those with ASD. We encourage you to take action as well by:
- Check out The Arc’s Autism Now Center, which provides high-quality resources and information in core areas across the lifespan of individuals with ASD and other Developmental Disabilities and their families, caregivers and professionals in the field. Focus areas include: Early detection, Early intervention, and Early education; Transition from high school into early adulthood; Community-based employment; Advocacy for families and self-advocates; Community Inclusion; Aging Issues; Policy; Implementation of Health Care Reform, including Long-Term Care Services and Supports; Family and Sibling Support; and Networking in local, state, and national arenas. We accomplish these goals in a variety of ways.
- Check out local events geared toward support, awareness and more: Autism and Asperger Connections, Sensory-Friendly Night at The Denver Museum of Nature and Science, Colorado Rockies Autism Awareness Night, 10th Annual Alpine Autism 5K Walk/Run
- Become an advocate for individuals with ASD.
- #GoBlue for Autism throughout the month of April.
The post April is Autism Awareness Month appeared first on The Arc Pikes Peak Region.