Egg Harbor Township Nurses Office
April 2024
National Autism Awareness Month
Autism
Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication.
We know that there is not one type of autism, but many!
Autism looks different for everyone, and each person with autism has a distinct set of strengths and challenges. Some autistic people can speak, while others are nonverbal or minimally verbal and communicate in other ways. Some have intellectual disabilities, while some do not. Some require significant support in their daily lives, while others need less support and, in some cases, live entirely independently.
Most Common Co-Occurring Conditions
- attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- anxiety and depression
- gastrointestinal (GI) disorders
- seizures and sleep disorders
Anybody can be autistic, regardless of sex, age, race or ethnicity
However, research from the CDC says that boys get diagnosed with autism four times more often than girls. According to the DSM-5-TR, the diagnostic manual for ASD, autism may look different in girls and boys. Girls may have more subtle presentation of symptoms, fewer social and communication challenges, and fewer repetitive behaviors. Their symptoms may go unrecognized by doctors, often leading to underdiagnoses or misdiagnosis. Getting a diagnosis is also harder for autistic adults, who often learn to “mask”, or hide, their autism symptoms.
Autism is a lifelong condition, and an autistic person’s needs, strengths and challenges may change over time. As they transition through life stages, they may need different types of support and accommodations. Early intervention and therapies can make a big difference in a person’s skills and outcomes later in life.
Many children with developmental delays or behavior concerns are not identified as early as possible. As a result, these children must wait to get the help they need to do well in social and educational settings (for example, in school, at home, and in the community). By the time they are identified, significant delays may have occurred and opportunities for intervention might have been missed. Getting services as early as possible can make a difference in the development of a child with ASD or other developmental problems.
How to Participate
1. Pledge
2. Show Your Support with a Gift
3. Ask Others to Join
4. Advocate
Your voice matters. Show your support for the latest autism legislation and receive the latest updates in autism policies and efforts.
5. Wear Your Support
Wear your choice of one-of-a-kind “Fearless for Change” t-shirt designed by autistic artists and caregivers.