Autism Awareness Month

Are you wondering why there are major landmarks including the White House illuminating blue? Well, this month is Autism Awareness Month and Autism Speaks encourages you to “Light it up Blue!” The color blue symbolizes unity and support for greater acceptance and understanding among those living with autism. Allen School of Health Sciences will be showing our support and helping to raise awareness throughout this month by selling the Autism Puzzle key chains. We would like to share with you more about autism and the importance of the month of April. What is Autism? There is not one specific type of autism. Instead, it varies for each individual. Autism is a variation of developmental delays with speech, behavior, nonverbal communication and social skills, but not limited to other characteristics. Generally, children are diagnosed at 2 or 3 years of age, but there have been cases when the signs are apparent early on and diagnosed at only 18 months.   Autism Facts from Autism Speaks

• Boys are more likely to be autistic than their female counterparts
• Nonverbal communication – about 1/3 of individuals living with autism will continue to be nonverbal
• Intellectual disability – accounts for about 1/3 of individuals with autism
• Various mental and medical health issues commonly accompany autism. These may include, but not limited to seizures, anxiety and gastrointestinal (GI) disorders In efforts to kick off the Light it up Blue campaign, Autism Speaks joins forces with the global autism community for both World Autism Awareness Day and Autism Awareness Month during the month of April. All around the world homes, landmarks and communities literally light up blue in efforts to support people with autism. During the month of April there are also educational and informative autism focused activities that encourage a “better understanding and acceptance.”
• Join us while we focus on autism as our Institution for HOPE initiative! If you are currently a student and would like to learn more about how to get involved on your campus then contact your Allen School Student Services for scheduled activities and/or fundraisers

Light it up Blue

In efforts to kick off the Light it up Blue campaign, Autism Speaks joins forces with the global autism community for both World Autism Awareness Day and Autism Awareness Month during the month of April. All around the world homes, landmarks and communities literally light up blue in efforts to support people with autism. During the month of April there are also educational and informative autism focused activities that encourage a “better understanding and acceptance.”

Join us while we focus on autism as our Institution for HOPE initiative! If you are currently a student and would like to learn more about how to get involved on your campus then contact your Allen School Student Services for scheduled activities and/or fundraisers.