April 2 is World Autism Awareness Day and Autism Speaks, a member charity of Community Health Charities, is planning to turn the world blue. Their 3rd annual Light It Up Blue initiative has over 350 buildings committed to turning their lights blue and bringing awareness to autism.
Autism is a complex neurobiological disorder that inhibits a person's ability to form relationships, and is often accompanied by behavioral challenges. Autism spectrum disorders are diagnosed in one in 110 children and one in 70 boys in the United States, affecting four times as many boys as girls. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have called autism a national public health crisis, and the cause and cure both remain unknown. During Autism Awareness Month, Community Health Charities is joining Autism Speaks to help raise awareness about autism.
Autism Speaks provides the following programs and services to the public.
Autism Speaks Home Page
Autism Speaks Local Chapters – Follow this link to find out what’s available in your local area.
Tool Kits – These tools are designed to address the different needs of autism families.
Know A Child’s Rights – This new Individualized Education Program (IEP) provides a summary, process and practical tips
Autism and Your Family – For families wondering how to deal with the diagnosis.
Autism Apps
Autism Response Team - Autism Response Team (ART) members are specially trained to connect families with information, resources and opportunities.
Resource Guide – A nationwide listing of services available by state.
Autism Safety Project- Autism Speaks is proud to partner with the National Autism Association to fund the creation of Big Red Safety Boxes, valuable tools and resources that help prevent dangerous situations for individuals with autism and their families.
Summer Camp Scholarship Program
Community Connections – Various connections/links to support you, your child and your family.
Housing and Residential Supports - As part of the transition from childhood to adult life, planning will inevitably include housing decisions.
Autism Intervention Research Network on Physical Health – This tool helps parents and professionals manage the wide range of health-related concerns that are commonly associated with autism spectrum disorders.
Video Glossary - The treatments presented here include some of the more commonly used interventions for children on the autism spectrum.
Source: Autism Speaks
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