This April the Pilot Club of Great Bend celebrated World Autism Day, April 2 and Autism Acceptance Month by having a city and county proclamation signing with the Barton County Commissioners and the Mayor of Great Bend.
What is Autism? Autism is a complex, lifelong developmental disability that typically appears during early childhood and can impact a person’s social skills, communication, relationships, and self-regulation. Autism is defined by a certain set of behaviors and is a “spectrum condition” that affects people differently and to varying degrees.
While there is currently no known single cause of autism, early diagnosis helps a person receive the support and services that they need, which can lead to a quality life filled with opportunity.
The Pilot Club of Great Bend recognizes and supports the Autism Speaks organization and the Autism Society of America, the nation’s oldest leading grassroots autism organization, (www.autism-society.org). Pilot Club aligns its goals with both the Autism Speaks organization and the Autism Society of America to build better awareness of the signs, symptoms and realities of autism, and to focus on providing information and resources for our community, so it can be more aware of autism and promote autism acceptance.
In 1970, the Autism Society launched an ongoing nationwide effort to promote autism awareness and assure that all affected by autism are able to achieve the highest quality of life possible. In 1972, the Autism Society launched the first annual National Autistic Children’s week, which evolved into Autism Acceptance Month (AAM).
The Autism Society of America, along with leading disability organizations across the country, is announcing that it is formally shifting references of “Autism Awareness Month” to “Autism Acceptance Month.”
The shift in the use of terminology aims to foster acceptance to ignite change through improved support and opportunities in education, employment, accessible housing, affordable health care and comprehensive long-term services.
As many individuals and families affected by autism know, acceptance is often one of the biggest barriers to finding and developing a strong support system.
The Autism Speaks organization recognizes that the prevalence of autism in the United States has risen from 1 in 125 children in 2010 to 1 in 54 in children and 1 in 45 adults in 2020.
Autism impacts an individual throughout the lifespan. However, research shows that early diagnosis can lead to improved quality of life.
Here are some signs to look for:
• Speaks later than typical or not at all (nonverbal)
• Repetition in language or movement, such as repeating the same word or sounds, hand flapping, or any repeated movement
• Atypical nonverbal communication, including avoiding eye contact, giving few facial expressions, or having a monotone
• Prefers solitary or parallel play rather than engaging in associative or cooperative play with other children
• Extremely distressed by changes, including new foods or changes in schedule
• Preference for predictable, structured play over spontaneous or make-believe play
• Strong, persistent interest on specific topic, part of a toy, or item
To learn more about autism at every age, visit www.autism-society.org and www.autismspeaks.org.
Look for news regarding the Pilot club of Great Bend’s Autism Spectrum Disorder workshop coming in the spring of 2022, after the Pandemic allows for travel and meetings and workshops to be held in large groups safely and without risk.
