Every April, World Autism Month begins with the United Nations-sanctioned World Autism Day on April 2. On this day and for many the entire month, hundreds of thousands of landmarks, buildings, homes and communities around the world will shine in light blue to recognize people living with autism. Our front driveway will appropriately have light blue light bulbs for the entire month.
The first National Autism Awareness month actually started in 1970. The purpose of this declaration was to educate the public about Autism. With diagnoses soaring to where some organizations have reported that as many as one in 40 children could be on the Autism Spectrum, the increase in the number of children being diagnosed is growing far too rapidly.
Because it is Autism Awareness Month and the diagnoses of Autism is growing at a frightening pace, it only seemed appropriate to use this month’s column as an opportunity to provide some education on something many know a little about unless it has directly touched their lives.
Important things to know that I found researching Autism include:
⋆ The term Autism and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are often used interchangeably. A wide spectrum disorder, people with Autism have a set of symptoms unique to themselves: no two people are the same.
⋆ While no two people are the same, there are common characteristics with this complex disability.
Briefly, characteristics include:
Social Skills – people with Autism have problems interacting with others; autistic children do not have adequate playing and talking skills. Symptoms range from clumsy behavior, being out of sync with those around them, and not being interested in others.
Empathy – not having the ability to recognize and understand the feelings of another person
Physical Contact – in some cases, not liking physical contact such hugs, tickling, or physical play with others
Sudden Changes to their Environment – a sudden change which affect an individual’s senses. Anything from a loud noise, a change in lighting, or even a change in smell
Speech – a type of speech where the person repeats words and phrases, or uses a monotone way of communicating
Changes to Behavior and Routine – people with Autism often display repetitive behavior which they repeat the same action many times over, which could be interpreted as an obsession
In sharing the information above, the intent is to help create a better informed public. In doing so, we all become more empathetic and can be more supportive for those dealing with these challenges.
I hope you find this of value. We appreciate the support the community provides to Little Friends in our efforts to help those children, adults, and their families dealing with this challenge.
—Mike Briggs
Editor’s Additions / World Autism Awareness Day
Autism Awareness Month Little Friends Calendar of Events
At Little Friends, Autism is our focus every day! During April, we share with you and our community ways we can all come together to celebrate and learn more.
Tuesday, April 2, 2019
12th Annual World Autism Awareness Day
Wear blue to show your support for autism awareness and acceptance.
Little Friends VP Speaks at State Autism Awareness Day Event in Springfield
Patti Boheme, Little Friends Center for Autism Executive Vice President and Co-Chair of the Illinois Autism Task Force, spoke today at the Capitol in Springfield at an event recognizing Autism Awareness Day. In her remarks, Patti spoke about the work of the Autism Task Force and emphasized the need for early diagnosis and treatment for autism stating, “We cannot make up for lost time.”
6:30PM Wednesday, April 3, 2019 / Autism Awareness Proclamation
Naperville City Hall
6:30PM Tuesday, April 9, 2019 / Autism & Genetics
Presented by Dr. Peter Penzes, Phd
Northwestern University
Wentz Science Center-Judith Stevens Hall
North Central College
Register here for this free event to learn more about the role genetics plays in the advancement of autism diagnosis and therapies.
3-7PM Thursday, April 11, 2019 / Sip & Shop at J. McLaughlin
216 S. Main St., Naperville
15% of the sales from J. McLaughline and Rodan and Fields consultant Linda Kowlowski will support Little Friends. A KEEP jewelry designer will also create a Little Friends bracelet from which a portion of the proceeds will be donated.
3:30-6:30PM Tuesday, April 30, 2019 / Dine to Donate at Texas Roadhouse
2856 Patriot’s Lane, Naperville
Texas Roadhouse will donate 10% of your total food purchases to Little Friends.
The Month of April
NCTV Spotlight
Little Friends President and CEO, Mike Briggs, along with Camille Smith, Vice President of School Programs, will discuss upcoming program news.
Shinto Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Lounge
504 N Route 59, Naperville
For every Roll of the Month that’s sold, Shinto will donate to Little Friends.
State Farm Quotes for Good
Dave Steinbach, Agent
(630) 963-5709, Dave@daveinsuresme.com
This month, for every person who completes an auto, fire, life, or health quote, a $10 donation will be made to Little Friends.
