April is Autism Awareness Month

The Autism Society has been celebrating National Autism Awareness Month since the 1970s. The United States recognizes April as a special opportunity for everyone to educate the public about autism and issues within the autism community.

Here are six ways you can celebrate National Autism Awareness Month this year:

1. Host your own event. The Autism Society‘s 1Power4Autism is the first grassroots fundraising Web site for the autism community. It gives you an opportunity to “turn on your power” by starting an event online and the tools you need to mobilize your friends and family. Learn more at http://www.1power4autism.org/.

2. Get bouncing! After a successful first year, the Autism Society and inflatable playground franchise Pump It Up are bouncing again with “Bounce for Autism” - a nationwide, community-based fundraising event that combines family fun with raising awareness and support for autism in locations that welcome children on the autism spectrum. Find an event near you at http://www.bounceforautism.org/.

3. Show your colors. Wear your autism awareness puzzle bracelet to show your support.

4. Spread awareness. Did you know that The Autism Society has free download materials to help your family, your school, your church or other community organization learn more about people with autism? Visit www.autism-society.org/shop_downloads

5. Take action. Getting involved in advocacy efforts at the local, state and national levels is a crucial way to support legislation benefiting those with autism and their loved ones. Check out current national initiatives at http://www.vote4autism.org.


6. Learn the signs. Research indicates that early identification is associated with dramatically better outcomes for individuals with autism. The earlier a child is diagnosed, the earlier the child can begin benefiting from one of the many specialized intervention approaches to treatment and education. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Center for Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities has developed the "Learn the Signs. Act Early." campaign and provide a number of informational materials on developmental milestones for parents, healthcare providers, early childhood educators and others that are available on their Web site http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/index.html.