Month of April dedicated to education on disorder
Since 1972 the Autism Society of America members have dedicated
the month of April to increasing knowledge of a still largely
misunderstood disorder. Since then, national attention
– and local attention – has been focused on autism during the
spring month.
Month of April dedicated to education on disorder
Since 1972 the Autism Society of America members have dedicated the month of April to increasing knowledge of a still largely misunderstood disorder. Since then, national attention – and local attention – has been focused on autism during the spring month.
Nationally, some media outlets are paying close attention to the disorder. “Discover” magazine has a cover story planned on the disorder, and other articles will appear in “Reader’s Digest,” “People,” and “Working Mother.”
Autism is a developmental disorder that affects communication and social interaction. It is defined as a spectrum disorder by the American Psychiatric Society, meaning those with the order can have minor to severe symptoms. New data released in 2007 found that 1 in 150 eight-year-old children has autism or an associated disorder, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Autism and Developmental Disabilities monitoring Network.
While there is no cure for autism, a main focus parents who have children with the illness and of health professionals is early diagnosis.
The Autism Parents Club in Hollister have planned several events to raise awareness of their experiences with autism. They kicked off the month of events at the San Juan Bautista Easter Parade April 1. Parents and children gathered to hand out candy and autism facts to visitors.
More events will follow in April and the group is open to new members throughout the year.
Upcoming events:
– Today: 9 a.m. breakfast at Country Rose, on Fourth Street. Kids are welcome.
– April 19th: 7-9 p.m., monthly Autism Parents Club meeting at the fire station. A doctor will be speaking on a technique called “Defeat Autism Now!” which looks at biomedical treatments for autism.
– April 21: 1 p.m., at Calaveras School, Spring Fling Picnic. Potluck, barbecue and games for the kids.
– June 9: Cure Autism Now walkathon in Alameda County. Registration required
– Sept. 9: Autism Awareness Day at Great America.
For more information on events or the club, visit www.autismparentsclub.com or call 637-3071.
