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MCC Daily Tribune

Autism Awareness Month - Quick Facts and Role Models

April is Autism Awareness Month, which makes this the perfect time to learn more about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and to gain inspiration from role models in the ASD community.

A Few Quick Facts:

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex bio-neurological developmental disability that generally appears before the age of three. ASD may affect a person's ability to communicate, and interact with others. ASD is defined by a certain set of behaviors and is a "spectrum condition" that affects individuals differently and to varying degrees.
  • There is no medical test to diagnose Autism - medical practitioners/psychologists conduct behavioral evaluations. A person on the spectrum might follow many of these behaviors or just a few, or many others besides. The diagnosis is applied based on analysis of all behaviors and their severity.
  • The rate of autism has steadily grown over the last twenty years. Recent CDC prevalence rates: ASD affects 1 in 68 children in the US. This includes 1 in 42 boys and 1 in 189 girls.
  • ASD commonly occurs with other developmental, psychiatric, and neurological diagnoses.
  • The prevalence of ASD is not affected by race, region, or socio-economic status. It occurs in all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups.
  • ASD greatly varies from person to person. No two people with autism are alike.

Role Models in the ASD Community: There are countless examples of outstanding academic and professional achievements by individuals with diagnoses on the ASD spectrum. For just a

Thank you for celebrating Autism Awareness Month by taking some time out to learn more about ASD. While you're at it, don't forget to visit the Services for Students with Disabilities/Counseling Services Autism Awareness Table Event on Wednesday, April 18th, 11:30 am--1:30 pm in the MCC Brighton Campus Upper Terrace. Hope to see you there!

Jennifer Prosceo
Services For Students With Disabilities
04/16/2018