By CHRISTINA MUNSTER
Student Writer
One out of every 68 American children is diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or Autism.
This disorder affects brain development affecting social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviors. ASD can be a intellectual disability due to difficulties with motor coordination and attention and physical health issues. Some diagnosed with Autism will excel in visual skills, music, math and art.
The month of April is Autism Awareness Month. With the high numbers of diagnosed children in the United States, all of us have been around someone with Autism knowingly or unknowingly. It is more common in boys affecting 1 out of 42 and 1 in 189 girls. Diagnosis will usually be at 2 to 3 years of age; however, symptoms will show earlier.
So what causes autism? As of right now there are no known causes or cures. A normal family dealing with a child with Autism will spend $60,000 a year. Researchers have narrowed factors down to mutations, genetics and environmental factors. With numbers continuing to increase in the United States, awareness is important. Individuals with Autism can be talented in a specific field or art. Famous names such as Albert Einstein, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Temple Grandin (professor of Animal Science, Colorado State University) had autism.
Those dealing with Autism, are dealing with a fight that few are educated about. Their social and communicative skills are much different than others, but can excel in other skills.
So whether you’ve been personally affected or you know someone with Autism, either way you have met at least one person in your life that is autistic, so wear blue in support and awareness of a very common disorder.