Autism

This April marks the 43^rd annual National Autism Awareness Month, which has been kicked off by the World Autism Day every April 2 since 2007. As we celebrate autism awareness issues this month, its important to understand some key statistics about the state of autism in 2013:

• Autism is the fastest-growing developmental disability with a 1,148% growth rate.

• Every 11 minutes, a child is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder.

• 1 in 88 children in the United States is on the autism spectrum; 1 in 54 boys.

• 1 percent of the population of children in the U.S. ages 3-17 have an autism spectrum disorder.

• Prevalence is estimated at 1 in 88 births.

• 1.5 million Americans live with an autism spectrum disorder.

The Autism Awareness Month kicked off with the World Autism Awareness Day. World Autism Awareness Day is one of only three official health-related United Nations Days with the goal of bringing the world's attention to autism. On April 2, countries all over the world participated in a dramatic “Light It Up Blue” campaign in which buildings and landmarks across the word were lit up in blue to celebrate World Autism Awareness Day. Here's a great image from the Autism Speaks Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/worldautismawarenessday) The National Autism Awareness Month gets off to a great start with the Autism Speaks, "Light it Up Blue” campaign because it’s a dramatic way “shine a light” on Autism issues by driving international awareness for the disorder.  People are encouraged to  show their support throughout the month of April and join the cause by becoming a member of Autism Speaks on www.autismspeaks.org. While the World Autism Day featured a global day of  “lighting it up blue,” individuals, businesses, schools and government groups are encouraged to display “Light It Up Blue” merchandise and blue lighting wherever possible as well as to participate in various activities related to the campaign. You can download all kinds of great artwork, tools and reources to show your support for autism awareness on the Tools & Resources webpage of AutismSpeaks.org. CLICK HERE Here are great samples of artwork you can access: The April campaign also encourages people from all over the country to join the petition: “Give Hope. And Take Action!" This petition calls on President Obama to develop a comprehensive national plan to address autism. As of April 5^th, 75, 948 people have signed the petition (the goal is to receive 180,000 signatures!). To sign the petition,  go to: http://action.lightitupblue.org/c.arKQI4MBIgI4E/b.8566551/k.66A7/Give_Hope_Take_Action/siteapps/advocacy/ActionItem.aspx Meanwhile the Autism Society (http://www.autism-society.org/), which is officially in charge of organizing all National Autism Month activities in the US, is driving the Put on the Puzzle! Campaign. The Autism Awareness Puzzle Ribbon is the most recognized symbol of the autism community in the world. The Autism Society is encouraging people to display the Puzzle Ribbon on their Facebook pages, pinned to their clothes, as badges on websites, to wear Puzzle Ribbon bracelets and more. Learn about the  origins of how the puzzle design became the core symbol representing  autism and be sure to make a donation to purchase the Puzzle Ribbon by visiting: http://www.autism-society.org/about-us/puzzle-ribbon.html At N-Style ID, in honor of National Autism Awareness month, we will conduct some Facebook contests/giveaways. BE sure to check out our Facebook page @ www.facebook.com/NStyleID. N-Style ID makes attractive medical alert jewelry for kids, teens, and adults.Since its founding, N-Style ID’s core vision is to make the lives of all those dealing with conditions such as Autism that requiring medical ID's less stressful by providing fun and fashionable medical jewelry. www.n-styleid.com Continue reading...

All children are an inherent gift. Nevertheless, raising a child is a guaranteed challenge. For parents with children living with autism, the challenges can be great and often overwhelming. Although the challenges will remain, there are a few straightforward steps that can make raising a child with autism surmountable. These include finding the right team of professionals, learning about the disorder, seeking and interacting with other families affected by autism, and taking time out for personal needs aside from parenting. Continue Reading Continue reading...