Autism Acceptance Month

Michael J. Lyons, D.O., Chief Medical Officer, Coastal Gateway Health Center

  It’s April and historically this is known as Autism Awareness Month.  However, over the years Autism awareness has improved so the autistic community has changed the focus from awareness to acceptance.  April is now Autism Acceptance Month, which includes World Autism Day that occurs each year on April 2.  

What is Autism?

  Autism is a developmental disability that involves the person’s nervous system limiting their social, communication, and interactions.  The outcome and duration of symptoms with autism can vary greatly. Symptoms can begin before age three and can last through a person’s lifetime.  The person can develop normally for a time and then stop and even regress.  As they enter adolescents and become young adults it becomes increasingly difficult to maintain friendships and to communicate with peers, or behave in a way expected in school or on the job.

Is Autism Prevalent?

  In 1992 autism occurred in 1 in 150 children, but as of 2020 the occurrence rate increased to 1 in 36. This is over a 4-fold increase in the last three (3) decades.  Autism occurs in all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups.  It is more than four (4) times more common among boys than among girls.

Who’s at Risk?

  There are many factors that have been identified in making a person more likely to develop autism, including environmental, biologic, and genetic factors.  Having a sibling with autism. Having certain genetic conditions, such as fragile X syndrome or tuberous sclerosis.  Experiencing complications at birth. Being born to older parents.

Can Autism be Treated?

  The treatment involves multiple professionals dealing with different aspects of care. Treating the symptoms of autism reduces the symptoms that interfere with daily function and quality of life. However, no cure for autism currently exists.

What is Autism Acceptance?

  Autism cannot be separated from the Autistic; it is a major part of a person’s identity and treating it like a problem to be solved is demeaning. Awareness is not enough and acceptance is the conversation we need to be having. By accepting an autistic person, you are making the autistic person feel good about themselves without expecting them to change.  Autism acceptance is a way of letting the people we care about know that they are welcome to live life without having autism be the focus at every turn.

Zach, my 27-year-old autistic son would thank you for accepting him!!!