By Caroline Mansfield
Every April, the world gathers together to celebrate lives that are touched by the fastest growing developmental disorder in the United States- Autism.
April is Autism Awareness Month.
Last December marked five years since the United Nations General Assembly adopted the resolution that declares April 2 as Autism Awareness Day. This resolution was tabled by the State of Qatar.
WAAD is more than just coming together. It is about bringing awareness about a disorder that is still undergoing research, but not being given sufficient funding to support the research needed to find a cure.
In fact, Autism research receives less than five percent of funding of the less prevalent childhood diseases.
WAAD helps bring knowledge and understanding, as well as the importance of early diagnosis and intervention. Organizations and communities put on events and warmly welcome persons with Autism.
Thousands and thousands of children are being diagnosed each year and their families are often confused and overwhelmed about what that diagnosis means and what it means for their future and their child.
The average cost to a family with a child with Autism is approximately $60,000 a year. This includes doctors, therapies and various treatments. The more awareness and support that is put out there can help these parents get through the diagnosis and know that they are certainly not alone in this journey.
Apex resident and parent, Kelley Averette, whose 18-year-old son has Autism, says it is “different for every single person and there is no one treatment for it.”
There could be a kind of treatment in therapy that works for one person that does absolutely nothing for another.
“It varies as much as every human being,” Averette said. She says because it is so different, it makes it harder for researchers.
This Tuesday, light it up blue! Wear blue for Autism Awareness and help show others that you support those who can’t speak for themselves.
According to the Autism Speaks website, “We will give a voice to the millions of individuals worldwide who are undiagnosed, misunderstood and looking for help.”
Until all the pieces fit.
If you would like to donate to Autism research, please go to http://www.autismspeaks.org/ways-give