Autism Awareness Month

The month of April is designated as Autism Awareness Month.

Here are 10 facts about Autism Spectrum Disorder that you can share with your family and friends to help Support, Educate, and Advocate for your child/student/client with Autism.

1. In 2018, the CDC determined that approximately 1 in 59 children is diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder.
2. There is no medical detection for Autism or medical “test” that can be run to determine if a child has Autism. 
3. Autism is not a physical disorder. Individuals with Autism do not necessarily “look” different from typically developing peers. 
4. There are many theories as to what causes Autism. Genetical differences have been noted in many studies but there is still no single known cause of Autism. Much research is still needed.
5. According to the CDC, boys are 4 times more likely than girls to have Autism (1 in 37 boys, 1 in 151 girls). 
6. Autism affects children of all nationalities and socioeconomic status.
7. Co-existing medical conditions are common with Autism including anxiety, seizure disorders, attention deficit disorders, language impairments, fine and gross motor impairments, chronic sleep problems, and gastrointestinal disorders.
8. Autism is a lifelong disorder. Children do not outgrow Autism.
9. Each individual with Autism is unique. No two individuals with Autism are alike.
10. There is no cure for Autism, but early intervention can improve communication and underlying brain development. 

If you would like to learn more about Autism Spectrum Disorder or would like to begin early intervention speech therapy for your child, contact Sidekick Therapy Partners at 865-693-5622.You can also email us at info@mysidekicktherapy.com or visit our website at https://www.mysidekicktherapy.com.

Additional resources and information on Autism Spectrum Disorders can be found at Autism Speaks, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Autism Society, and The National Autism Association.

-Jessica M. Lenden-Holt MA CCC-SLP