April is Autism Awareness Month

Autism spectrum disorders currently affect 1 in 150 children in the United States. Help to raise awareness about this complex brain disorder.

Every day is Autism Awareness Day in my world, however many countries around the world have set aside the month of April as Autism Awareness Month. April is quickly approaching and the news media is already buzzing with information about how the month will be honored. One of the big campaigns involves Toys R’Us and Autism Speaks. Toys R’Us will be collecting cash donations at all of its retail stores as well as accepting donations from customers of its online store. The donations will directly benefit Autism Speaks in its research funding efforts.

Another large company involved with Autism Speaks for raising awareness in April is bookseller Barnes and Noble. Approximately 500 bookstores will offer special story times including celebrities reading books that focus on encouraging “compassion and respect for individuals with autism and other disabilities.”

In addition to April’s designation as Autism Awareness Month, April 2nd has been deemed as World Autism Awareness Day by the United Nations. Countries around the world will be hosting special events to help bring about a better understanding of autism spectrum disorders and to accentuate the fact that early diagnosis and intervention is key.

Whether you’re an individual with autism or a family member of an autistic person, take a few minutes this month to participate in raising awareness about autism spectrum disorders.

Source: Autism Speaks Press Release