This year, April 2nd will mark the fifteenth annual World Autism Awareness Day, as recognized by the United Nations. The event kickstarts World Autism Month (April), which focuses on educating the public, fundraising, and fostering support and acceptance of those with autism.
What is Autism?
According to the CDC, autism (formally known as autism spectrum disorder – ASD) is a “developmental disability that can cause significant social, communication and behavioral challenges.” This can include symptoms such as:
- Difficulty relating to or interacting with people
- Difficulty expressing emotions or needs
- Not making eye contact or facial expressions
- Engaging in highly repetitive actions
- High sensitivity to extreme stimuli (bright lights, loud noises, or particular tastes/smells)
- Struggle to adapt to change
Children or adults with autism have unique ways of learning, engaging others, or reacting to change. Their capacity to learn and problem solve can range from gifted to severely challenged. The effects in day-to-day life can range from mild to significant. Autism is called a “spectrum disorder” because each person with autism has a unique set of strengths and challenges.
To learn more, check out the resources at the end of this article.
Who is Affected?
Signs of autism usually appear by ages 2 or 3 and typically last for someone’s entire life. The CDC estimates that 1 in 44 children in the U.S. are (to some degree) affected by autism.
Here are a few well-known people with autism (or who are believed to have had autism):
- Elon Musk (CEO of Tesla)
- Temple Grandin (Ph.D. in animal science; greatly advanced the livestock industry)
- Albert Einstein
- Sir Isaac Newton
- Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
How Can I Help?
Here are a few practical ways to support those with autism:
- Learn: do some research on your own to understand autism – what it is, how it affects people, and how it is treated. This will help you better understand your friend or loved one with autism. Taking the time to dive in will show them that you are genuinely interested in their life.
- Listen: if your autistic friend or loved one is struggling and comes to you for support, listen with care. You won’t have all the answers, but all people – including those with autism – desire to be heard, understood and known. By listening well, you can fulfill this need.
- Remember that People are People: sometimes, we can take someone’s struggle and make it their identity. Remember that those with autism (or any other difficulty in life) are a complete person and are not defined by, nor made less by, their challenges.
- Light It Up Blue: join landmarks, buildings, homes, and towns around the globe on April 2nd by lighting up your house with blue lights – the color of autism support.
Fearfully and Wonderfully Made
Each human being is made in God’s image – uniquely designed by His hand. It’s the reason we are purpose-driven – because we are purpose-made. This alone makes each person worthy of dignity and respect.
“I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.” – Psalm 139:14
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