Together We Make A Difference....


​April is Autism Awareness Month
Awareness leads to Understanding  
Understanding leads to Acceptance 
Acceptance results in Appreciation
​

Dominick's Story


​What is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?

                                     WHAT IS ASD
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurological disorder which affects the way the brain develops and processes information. ASD affects the ability to interact socially with others and language communication. Individuals with ASD sometimes have a hard time understanding body language, sarcasm, and ideas are unclear. Some individuals develop a specific interest in an activity, game, idea, or objects such as cars or dinosaurs.
                         
​                            WHAT CAUSES ASD
While currently there is no known single cause for ASD, it is generally accepted that ASD is biological and affects brain development. In some cases, specific genetic syndromes, such as Rett's Syndrome, Fragile X and tuberous sclerosis, result in symptoms of ASD. Other genetic causes, such as small copying errors in the genetic code, have recently been identified and research is investigating environmental factors that may be linked to ASD. In general, there appear to be different types of ASD which may be associated with many different causes.

 INDIVIDUALS WITH ASD USUALLY HAVE "SUPER SENSES"
WHICH AFFECT THE WAY THEY EXPEREINCE THE WORLD AROUND THEM

 ASD is considered a “spectrum” disorder because it varies widely in its specific behaviors from one person to another. The sense of sight, hearing, taste, smell, touch, body awareness, and balance appear to be super developed and affect the way the act and relate to the world around them.
  • May have a difficult time looking at you directly otherwise known as poor eye contact
  • Bright light may bother them
  • May cover their ears when they hear loud noises
  • Won't like the feel of certain textures like walking on sand
  • Can be a picky eater because the taste and texture of some foods are hard to swallow
  • May stand too close to another person 
                                                                            FACTS ABOUT ASD
  • In 2021, the CDC reported that approximately 1 in 44 children in the U.S. is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
    • 1 in 27 boys identified with autism
    • 1 in 116 girls identified with autism
  • Boys are four times more likely to be diagnosed with autism than girls.
  • ASD can be diagnosed as early as age 2
  • Autism affects all ethnic and socioeconomic groups
  • There is no medical detection for autism