This month, which starts with World Autism Awareness Day on April 2nd, is dedicated to promoting understanding, acceptance, and support for autistic people. According to the Centers for Disease Control, autism affects an estimated 1 in 36 children and 1 in 45 adults in the United States today.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects a person's ability to communicate, interact with others, and understand the world around them. Key characteristics of ASD include social communication difficulties, repetitive behaviors and interests, and sensory sensitivities. Symptoms along the spectrum can include significant intellectual disabilities to highly intelligent, nonverbal to complex language skills, and can manifest in early childhood or later adulthood.
To find out more about ASD, please visit Autism Speaks or the Autism Society.