Autism is a specific diagnosis that falls under the um-

brella term Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD)

in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual. The

month of April is recognized as Autism

Awareness Month, and World Autism

Awareness Day is celebrated on April 2nd

each year. I hope this article can serve as a

resource for you to discover a little bit more

about a disorder that touches so many lives.

What is Autism?

Autism is a complex developmental disability

that typically appears during the first three

years of life and affects the normal function-

ing of the brain.

Currently, no medical tests can be per-

formed to

indicate the presence of autism or any other PDD, the

diagnosis is based upon the presence or absence of

specific behaviors.

The key defining symptoms in both children and

adults with autism are typically difficulty with verbal

and non-verbal communication and social interaction.

Autism is a spectrum disorder, meaning two individu-

als, both with the same diagnosis, can be completely

different from one another and

have varying capabilities. Diag-

nostic labels indicate commonali-

ties among individuals but do not

define them or provide a com-

plete picture of who they are and

what they are able to achieve.

It is important to understand that

people with autism can learn and

progress with appropriate treatment

and education.

Autism is Treatable

The causes of autism are not well understood and

no cure currently exists. Early intervention can

significantly improve the quality of life for individuals

with autism. However, the majority of individuals on

the autism spectrum will continue to exhibit some

symptoms in varying degrees throughout their lives

and may require lifelong care and supervision.

To accommodate the diverse needs of indi-

viduals with autism, effective approaches

should be flexible, evaluated regularly to en-

sure measurable progress and provide the

person with opportunities for generalization.

No single approach will be effective for all

people with autism. Caregivers and individu-

als on the spectrum should investigate treat-

ment options thoroughly before choosing the

options that are most appropriate to their

needs and unique circumstances.

Autism by the Numbers

A 2012 CDC report shows that one out of

every 88 children will be diagnosed with an

autism spectrum disorder.

It is estimated that more than 60,000 Ohioans are

living with autism.

More than 650,000 family members and caregivers

in Ohio are impacted by autism.

56 percent of students with autism finish high

school.

The cost of autism over a

lifespan is 3.2 million dollars per

person, with 60 percent of those

costs occurring in adulthood.

You Can Show Your

Support

Ohio residents now can show

their support for persons with autism, their families

and service providers with the Ohio Autism Awareness

license plate.

Visit www.oplates.com to learn more.

Autism Awareness April designated as month to acknowledge this widespread disability

http://www.oplates.com