Student 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!
Prosceo, Jennifer
Services For Students With Disabilities
04/16/2018