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Facts on Autism

This year, we are focusing on educating the public on developmental disabilities. Let’s start with autism. What is it exactly? What causes it? What can we do it about it?

Fact #1  – 1 in 68 individuals have autism It is more prevalent in boys where 1 in 42 boys have autism. In fact boys are 5 times as likely to have autism.

Fact #2 – Autism can be detected as early as infancy by the way the baby reacts and communicates.

Fact #3 – There is no known reason to what causes autism, whether it is genetic, environmental or medical factors

Fact #4 – Autism is a neurological disorder that has an effect on normal brain function, which affects one’s communications and social interaction skills. Individuals who have autism typically have troubles communicating and interacting “normally” in social surroundings

Fact #5 – While there is no cure for autism, there are several resources and networks in the community that offer therapy and support to families.

Fact #6 – Individuals with autism have dreams and goals just like everyone else. They have many abilities that will allow them to achieve great things in life, which include physics scholar Jacob Barnett, professional snooker player Luca Brecel, jazz prodigy Matt Savage, and Miss Montana Alexis Wineman.

 This year, we challenge you to take the “dis” in disabilities. Focus on the abilities of each individual, whether they have disabilities or not. The view is much more beautiful from there we promise you.