Autism Awareness Month

My good friend from college has the cutest little boy Jack. He is a 4 year old who is blond, tall and autistic. It is my hope that I can bring a little awareness to this disorder that affect millions of families.  Most of my information I found from the Autism Speaks website.

Autism has been called a national health threat by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In fact, this mysterious disease affects more children than pediatric cancer, diabetes and AIDS combined.  It is a neurological disorder that strikes as many as 1 in every 150 children and affects millions of families worldwide. Every day, 67 children in America are diagnosed with this disease. That's one new case every 20 minutes.

According to the CDC, autism is one of a group of disorders known as "autism spectrum disorders." Children with autism may have trouble interacting socially and communicating and may exhibit unusual behaviors. The severity of the disease varies from child to child. Some attend public school and are considered "high-functioning," while others go their entire lives without ever saying a word. Currently, there is no known cause and no known cure.

Each autistic child is unique in his or her own way. Some exhibit classic symptoms like repetitive behaviors, verbalization issues and sensory issues—like sensitivity to light, sound and touch. Other children have trouble sleeping, eating adult food and becoming toilet-trained.

One common symptom is known as "stimming," which is short for self-stimulatory behavior. This physical part of the disease is erratic, repetitive and sometimes uncontrollable. Some children may clap their hands repeatedly, while others may grind their teeth or jump up and down.

I have had the opportunity to know several autistic children through my work with Camp Costanoan.  They are the most amazing kids.  I encourage you to go to the Autism Speaks website to read more about this disorder and what you can do to help. Even something little could help. I bought a pin for $10. It isn't a lot but I can't afford to more right now and every little bit counts!

I hope for Jack, his family and the millions of others affected by autism, a cure will be found soon

Crossposted at familyfreitas.blogspot.com