Understanding Autism: The Importance of Autism Acceptance
Autism is a far more common condition than many realize, but it remains one of today’s most poorly understood disorders. Many people have incorrect information about autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and others have misconceived perceptions about what it means to be autistic. April 2, 2023, is World Autism Awareness Day. This day serves as an opportunity for people across the globe to learn more about ASD, how common it is, how to receive autism evaluation screenings and how to secure an accurate diagnosis. Community Access Network is committed to serving our autism patients as well as the broader community at large.
What is World Autism Awareness Day?
World Autism Awareness Day is an international day of learning. Sanctioned by the United Nations, the event was established in 2008 and kicks off a month of autism education, including sharing stories and working to increase the acceptance and understanding of people with ASD. The goal is to create a world where people with autism have the support they need to reach their full potential.
What is autism?
Autism is an umbrella term referencing a wide range of conditions. These conditions are most commonly characterized by repetitive behaviors and problems with speech, social skills and nonverbal communication. Autism is said to be diagnosed on a “spectrum” because the severity of symptoms can range so broadly. Some individuals with ASD have trouble with social behavior but may experience relatively little in the way of other symptoms. Others might have difficulty speaking or communicating at all. Their ability to function independently is incredibly limited as a result.
Although autism is a disorder with varying degrees of severity, there are common characteristics shared throughout all levels of the spectrum. Widespread knowledge of autism is a relatively recent development, and the conversation regarding the disorder is ongoing.
How common is autism?
Once thought to be rare, we now know that autism affects around 1 in every 44 children, according to data collected by the Centers for Disease Control. This amounts to around 2.3% of children ages eight and above. At 3.7% to 0.9%, respectively, autism is more prevalent among boys than it is among girls.
If you believe your child or loved one might have autism, the team at Community Access Network can help. We offer comprehensive autism and ADHD evaluation screenings to help secure an accurate diagnosis. Reach out to us for additional information and to schedule an appointment!
