Autism is now the fastest growing developmental disability in the world. And one of the most remarkable features of autism is that there is no particular pattern in its affliction of young children--- the disorder presents itself equally among different races and ethnicities, socioeconomic levels, national origins, and about every other identifying factor, except for sex. It affects many more boys than girls.
“I call autism the most nondiscriminating, equal opportunity condition,” said Lee Grossman, head of the Autism Society of America. Research, he added, has shown a large rise in autism in other countries parallel to the rise in the U.S., and many of those children do not have access to the treatments they need.
With that in mind, and the general need to promote the urgency of awareness and treatment, autism groups around the world have dubbed today, April 2, the first annual “World Autism Day.” The United Nations passed a resolution, sponsored by Qatar, last year to mark the occasion.
“Autism knows no geographic boundaries – it affects individuals and families on every continent and in every country,” said Suzanne Wright, co-founder of Autism Speaks, an advocacy group that promotes awareness of the disorder. “The celebration of World Autism Awareness Day is an important way to help the world better understand the scope of this health crisis and the need for compassion and acceptance for those living with autism.”
Most importantly, advocates say, an early diagnosis and early interventions are essential to helping a child lead a fulfilling life. While there is no cure on the horizon, and may not be for many years, early treatments can make a vast difference in the prognosis. More than 20 countries, representing every continent, have planned events for today to publicize the cause.
More information on events and resources can be found at www.worldautismawarenessday.org, and my recent American School Board Journal story on how some schools in the U.S. are grappling with treatments and intervention is available online.
Joetta Sack-Min, Associate Editor