April is Autism Awareness Month
April holds several meanings, including the start of spring and a break from college life. However, most importantly, April marks Autism Awareness Month. While any time of year is suitable for raising awareness for this group of individuals, this month is specifically designated to educate people who may not be familiar with the challenges that people with autism face. According to the CDC, as of 2022, 1 in 44 children has been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.
It is essential for individuals to understand what having autism entails. Hosting events and programs dedicated to providing insight into life through the autistic lens can inspire people to get involved and create a more inclusive space beyond the college campus. These events can also benefit students by teaching them how to accommodate or offer necessary assistance to someone with autism experiencing auditory distress or sensory overload. Discovery Therapy reports that approximately 40% of all children on the autistic spectrum are non-verbal.
Autism Speaks explains that individuals with autism may display abnormal gestures, lack of eye contact, exaggerated facial expressions, and heightened tone of voice. They may also exhibit repetitive body movements, repetitive motions with objects, and ritualistic behaviors like lining up things and repeatedly touching things in a set order. Developing programs that can help students identify someone with autism based on these behaviors can enable them to respond appropriately.
In the US, approximately 34.7% of all youth diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder attend college, according to the National Library of Medicine. Although this figure may appear small compared to the number of college attendees in North America every year, it is significant to keep in mind when meeting new people on campus. Additionally, the number of autism cases has increased by 178% since 2000, as reported by Discovery Therapy. In 2000, 1 in every 150 people in the US had autism, while as of 2022, 1 in every 100 people has been diagnosed with the disorder.
Autism awareness should not be limited to just one month, and this April and the ones to follow should be used to broaden college students’ knowledge on the subject matter. This can be achieved by introducing various programs and events on campus to raise awareness for those with autism. Such events can inform students about the expected behaviors of individuals with autism spectrum disorder, creating a safer and more inclusive space for those with autism.
Overall, raising awareness for autism is vital, and events and programs dedicated to this cause should be a part of every college’s experience. If your school is currently holding any functions in honor of Autism Awareness Month, consider attending and showing support.
