Fast Facts
- Autism is called a “spectrum” because it includes a wide range of strengths and challenges—no two people with autism are exactly the same.
- About 1 in 36 children in the United States is diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, according to recent estimates.
- Many people with autism have special strengths, such as strong memory, attention to detail, creativity, or deep knowledge about topics they love.
- Signs of autism often appear in early childhood, sometimes as early as 2 years old, but some people aren’t diagnosed until they are older.
Autism is a way some people’s brains work that makes them experience the world a little differently. It’s called Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and it affects how a person communicates, learns, and interacts with others. About 1 in 36 children in the United States is diagnosed with autism. Some people with autism may talk a lot, while others may use fewer words or communicate in different ways. Many have strong interests and talents or enjoy routines, and some can be extra sensitive to sounds, lights, or textures.
Autism Acceptance Month, celebrated in April, is a time to learn about autism and advocate for more support for people with neurodivergency and autism in our communities. It encourages kindness, understanding, and celebrating differences.
You might have seen a puzzle piece symbol connected to autism. It was first used in 1963 by the National Autistic Society in the United Kingdom. At the time, it was meant to show that autism was a complex condition that people were still trying to understand. Over the years, other symbols have become popular too. Today, many people use the rainbow infinity symbol, which represents the wide range of experiences and diversity of people with autism.
Additional Information and Resources:
https://autismsociety.org/autism-acceptance-month/
https://thearc.org/blog/autism-acceptance-month-celebrate-differences/