Autism Awareness Week runs from 27 March-2 April and kicks off Autism Awareness Month. This April, help to spread awareness, understanding and respect for those who suffer from autism and Asperger’s syndromes. Autism is an increasingly prevalent part of our society and promoting understanding will help people on the spectrum to feel accepted and supported.
What is the Autism Spectrum?
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a range of complex behaviors that may leave those afflicted with an inability to fit in socially. They may also experience trouble communicating effectively and display repetitive patterns of behavior. The autism spectrum is very wide and people may experience symptoms which range from mild to severe in nature.
ASD occurs in all ethnic groups, age groups and socioeconomic groups and experts estimate that 1 in every 88 children ages 8 and under have ASD. Studies show that boys are 4 times more likely to have ASD than girls.
Because children with ASD sometimes have trouble fitting in, they may find it difficult to thrive in a traditional school environment and are often the victims of bullying and negativity from children and adults. Spreading awareness in our local Bergen and Passaic County communities will help to alleviate some of the difficulties that ASD children and their families have to deal with. Promoting understanding will create communities where children with ASD are supported and given the best chance to develop and fulfill their incredible potential.
Why should I Support Autism Awareness Month?
Many children with ASD need special support for learning and growing and their families need support, counseling and assistance. Special needs tutoring and education can often come at a high price, but it’s crucial to allow children with ASD to excel and grow to their full potential.
Children with ASD may also need medication or other therapies that families struggle to afford. Support one of the many Autism Awareness activities in your area that will raise funds for children and their families in April.
If you are not able to participate in these activities, you can do your bit for Autism Awareness month by educating yourself and your family about ASD and how to best help those who have it. You and your family can also volunteer at one of the many organizations that support families and children with ASD.
Take the Twizzler Challenge
You did the ice bucket challenge, now try the Twizzler challenge to support Autism Awareness Month. Post a video of you and someone else eating licorice Lady-and-the-Tramp style. Then, nominate someone else to do the same!
Post to social media using the hashtag #TwizzlerChallenge.
Resources for families
Want to know more about ASD and help to educate your kids? Here are some resources to help you.
Contact the Autism Society in the US here.
Find additional resources here:
- http://usofautism.com/the-film/the-resources-available/
- http://www.autismsupportnetwork.com/resources/autism-grants-united-states
- http://www.usautism.org/
Here at Tutor Doctor North Jersey and Rockland, we help families in the Ridgewood, Glen Rock, with children on the Autism spectrum of all ages with academic support as well as ADA therapy help should the child require it. Our special needs tutors are certified in Special Needs with focus on Autism and Aspergers syndromes. Give us a call or contact us through our website:
https://www.bergenrocklandtutor.education.glsites.com/special-needs/