OLH/SL School Nurse - 🧩 April-Autism Awareness

In honor of Autism Awareness Month, this blog aims to educate and spread awareness about our friends on the spectrum. We also encourage you to read “What I’ve Learned From Working with Autistic Children” by NAPA pediatric therapist, Allyson Bates, OTD, OTR/L. SWC, PAM.

What You Should Know About World Autism Month

Various campaigns such as Autism Speaks “Light it Up Blue” and the Autism Society’s “Put on a Puzzle” aim to increase inclusivity and acceptance of individuals with autism. World Autism Awareness Month is a platform to create change; a stage to support a shift in thinking to create acceptance and inclusivity. Every individual with autism is a unique being with their own strengths and challenges. Let’s take this time to learn more about autism so that we are open, willing, and able to communicate strategies to make our communities more welcoming for everyone.

What is Autism?

Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills and communications skills, as well as engagement in repetitive behaviors. Autism and ASD are general terms for a wide range of brain development disorders characterized by social impairments, communication difficulties, and repetitive behaviors. While statistics vary slightly, approximately 1 in 59 children in the United States is affected with autism. The cause of autism is yet unknown, however researchers believe both environmental and genetic factors may contribute to an individual being diagnosed with ASD. Symptoms of autism may include, but is not limited to:

Picky or fussing eating

Delayed or lack of speech

Decreased eye contact

Engagement in repetitive motor movements (ie hand flapping, twirling objects)

Lack of spontaneous or make-believe play

Therapy Options for Autism

Experts agree, access to early intervention is imperative for individuals with ASD. Early intervention may include but is not limited to one or a combination of the following interventions:

Behavioral therapy to address repetitive behaviors that may interfere with daily life

Occupational therapy to address underlying sensory needs contributing to a child’s dysfunction

Physical therapy to address delays in gross motor skills

Speech therapy to address difficulties with both verbal and non-verbal communication

Early intervention school programs provide opportunity for structure, language models and facilitated peer interactions.

Four Easy Ways for you to Get Involved!

Participate in a Walk for Autism

Learn and share information about autism safety – be AWARE!

Share more information about Autism and AAC

Stay up to date with autism research

Awareness Facts

ASD is almost 5 times more prevalent in boys with about 1 in 42 boys diagnosed compared to about 1 in 189 girls.

Wondering if your child is affected by ASD? Here is a list of red flags that may indicate that your child is at risk:

– No big smiles or other warm, happy expressions by 6 months or thereafter

– No back-and-forth sharing of sounds or facial expressions by 9 months

– No babbling by 12 months

– No back-and-forth gestures like waving, pointing, etc. by 12 months

– No words by 16 months

– No meaningful, 2-word phrases (not including repeating) by 24 months

– Any loss of speech, babbling, or social skills at any age

Autism Spectrum Disorder and How To Help

What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?

The autistic community needs a lot of help. They can’t control a lot of what they do and it can be hard for them to take care of themselves. According to autismspeaks.org, two-thirds of children with autism have been bullied between ages six and 15 and one-third of the community has epilepsy, a seizure disorder.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) affects 1 in 68 children and is five times as likely to occur in boys than girls. ASD can also cost a family about $60,000 per year. Even though ASD is not necessarily prominent in today’s news, it is certainly not insignificant. These people are very dependent and sometimes do not get the attention they need. They sometimes need to be able to go to school or the local recreation center to get the help they need, which could be an issue for them during the pandemic. Not only is it important to know what goes on in the world of ASD, but it is also vital to the community that volunteers are readily available for them.

So How Can One Help People With ASD and Their Families?

There are many cases of advocacy that come from Autism Speaks, an organization looking to support people with Autism. One such case comes from Autism Speaks, stating that families that have children with ASD are being denied behavioral services that are vital for their kids’ growth. Another case, shown here, talks about the Ohio Department of Education (ODE) possibly making a change that could violate the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The change could make it so ODE would not need parental consent to place a child at a school. Families with children with ASD would be highly against this because it can make it so the child does not have the support they need to grow and be safe in the school environment. This is why it is important to advocate for people with ASD because they could have a lot of their needs limited.

Another way to get involved is by doing volunteer work, whether it is physically helping people with ASD or fundraising for them. One organization looking to help their volunteers is The Autism Project (TAP). This is an organization looking for volunteers and interns to help the autistic community, as well as helping people understand what working in special education and physical therapy could be like. Another way to help is through fundraising for Autism Speaks. Gilmour conducts their “Skate for a Solution” and “Swing for a Solution” fundraisers, and students can also participate in fundraiser walks and service projects through Autism Speaks.

Why Should Everyone Care?

People with ASD need extra support that we might not need. Sometimes they don’t know how to deal with their emotions, which can lead to them getting bullied. This may also affect all members of their family as a result. You may not necessarily know what happens at a peer’s house which makes them stressed. When we get back into a normal routine, try to treat all of your peers with respect and compassion. Say hi to someone you might not know. Invite them to eat lunch with you. Simple kindness can make someone’s day more enjoyable and less stressful. You never really know all of what someone may need, so be as kind as you can to everyone. You will make such a difference.

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