Raising Autism Awareness
Car Magnets, Ribbons, Pins, and Bracelets Help Increase Awareness
Autism spectrum disorders affect 1 in 150 children in the U.S. Increasing awareness about this developmental disability will lead to increased autism research dollars.
The focus of many of today’s autism organizations is to help raise awareness of autism and the other pervasive developmental disorders. The Autism Society of America and Autism Speaks are two of the more popular organizations dedicated to keeping attention focused on autism spectrum disorders.
There are several benefits to raising awareness about autism. The more people that know about autism, the more likely that research funds will be dedicated to understanding this developmental disorder. As more research is conducted, breakthroughs in autism treatment are more likely. Do your part in helping to raise autism awareness.
National Autism Awareness Month
In the United States, April has been designated as Autism Awareness Month. During the month of April, television shows dedicate episodes to the varying aspects of autism spectrum disorders. In the past, companies and autism organizations have also teamed up to raise funds and awareness. Toys R’Us and Autism Speaks have created a partnership allowing customers, shopping both online and in retail stores, to donate money to support Autism Speaks.
World Autism Awareness Day
In December of 2007, the United Nations passed a resolution declaring April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day. The resolution was introduced by Nassir Abdulaziz al-Nasser, Permanent Representative of Qatar to the United Nations, in November of 2007. According to a press release by the Representative of Qatar, “member States should break the “barrier of shame” of people suffering from autism and raise international awareness of the importance of early diagnosis and treatment of the brain disorder, which was estimated to affect 35 million people worldwide.”
Autism Awareness Products
One cannot drive down a roadway today without seeing some sort of support ribbon on the back of many of the vehicles. Autism awareness car magnets are one of the most popular autism awareness products on the market. Other commonly seen products are autism awareness bracelets, pins and other types of jewelry. Professionals can easily place an autism pin on their lapels making a statement in an elegant manner. Additional autism awareness items include silk ties with the puzzle logo, autism t-shirts printed with the current diagnostic rate of 1 in 150, stationary, and tote bags.
Celebrity Awareness
Raising autism awareness is not dedicated solely to organizations or family members. Celebrities have also joined forces and taken up the cause. NFL Superstar Travis LaBoy, defensive end for the Tennessee Titans, has created the Travis LaBoy Foundation for Supporting Autistic Causes and Kids (S.A.C.K.). The foundation was “created to support a combination of educational, recreational and physical activities designed to support children with autism and families of children with autism.”
Through internationally-recognized autism awareness decrees, autism awareness products, and celebrity attention to autism spectrum disorders, more people will learn about this developmental disability. With this increased knowledge, and subsequent increase in research dollars, important progress will be made towards improving the lives of those living with autism.
