In December of 2007 the United Nations declared April 2 as National Autism Awareness Day. This is one in only three official disease-specific United Nation Days.

 

By declaring April 2 as the official Autism Awareness Day the UN hopes to bring the world’s attention to autism, which is a disorder that affects tens of millions.

 

For those who are unsure as to what Autism actually is and what are some of the signs & symptoms, please continue to read below:

 

What is Autism?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Autism is a form of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD’s), which are a group of developmental disabilities that cause significant social, communication and behavioral challenges.  Autism is a complex neurobiological disorder that typically last throughout a person’s lifetime.

 

It is reported that an average of 1 out of 110 children in the United States have some form of ASD.  Studies have shown boys are more susceptible to having autism.  In fact;  one in 70 boys and one in 315 girls are diagnosed with Autism every year.  Government statistics have found the rate of Autism is rising from 10-17 percent annually.  According to the CDC, this is the most prevalent developmental disorder to date.

 

Signs & Symptoms:

To learn the signs & symptoms of Autism, please watch this video: http://www.cdc.gov/NCBDDD/autism/videos/whatisautism.html

 

Screening & Diagnosis:

Since there are no medical test (for example; blood test), to determine if a child has Autism it is sometimes hard to diagnose.  The doctor will look at the child’s behavior and development to make a diagnosis.

 

There are two steps to this screening:

1. Developmental Screening
2. Comprehensive Diagnostic Evaluation

 

For more detailed information on this type of screening: http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/screening.html

 

Provided is an Autism Fact Sheet:

http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/pdf/parents_pdfs/AutismFactSheet.pdf

 

Is there a cure for Autism?

According to AutismSpeaks.com unfortunately, experts have been unable to find a cure for Autism just yet.  There is hope though; Scientist are working hard every day to help find a solution for the growing problem. 

 

Due to the Combating Autism Act, which was passed through Congress and signed by the President it ensures that $162 million has been put into a fund for Autism research, services and treatment.

 

Please join Family Medical Walk-In Clinic in wearing blue this Friday, April 2, 2010 to help support National Autism Awareness Day!!!

 

If you would like to help, visit: http://www.lightitupblue.org/

 

Sources:

http://www.theautismnews.com/2010/03/26/world-autism-awareness-day-april-2nd-2010/

http://www.cdc.gov/NCBDDD/autism/videos/whatisautism.html

http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/pdf/parents_pdfs/AutismFactSheet.pdf

http://www.autismspeaks.org/whatisit/faq.php

http://www.lightitupblue.org/

http://www.worldautismawarenessday.org/atf/cf/%7B2DB64348-B833-4322-837C-8DD9E6DF15EE%7D/UNResolution_English.pdf