Page 130 - South Mississippi Living - April, 2017

SIGNS OF AUTISM:
• Lack of or delay in spoken language
• Repetitive use of language and/or motor mannerisms (e.g., hand-flapping, twirling objects)
• Little or no eye contact
• Lack of interest in peer relationships
• Lack of spontaneous or make-believe play • Persistent fixation on parts of objects
HEALTHY LIVING #lightitupblue
The month of April is World Autism Month, which strives to help increase global understanding and acceptance
of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). According to the Autism Society, ASD is a complex developmental disability with signs typically appearing during
early childhood. Though ASD can affect a person’s ability
to communicate and interact with others, it is considered
a “spectrum condition” that affects individuals differently and to varying degrees. There is no known single cause of autism, but increased awareness, early diagnosis and access to appropriate services lead to significantly improved outcomes.
“For someone on the outside, autism may present itself in completely different ways from one child to the next,” said Donna Joachim, director of education outreach
at Mississippi Centers of Autism and Related Developmental Disabilities. “Often times, signs of autism can be misunderstood as a simple temper tantrum.”
The goal of autism awareness is to promote understanding so that more people are able to sympathize with those who are experiencing the symptoms of ASD. “For many within the spectrum, autism can feel like a complete sensory overload,” said Joachim. “Some
kids are able to express themselves and tell us what things are like for them. While some say that noises can be immediately overwhelming, others may be able to tolerate it until a
certain point.”
For children with autism, even
a trip to the store can be an
overload. From bright lights to
noises at the checkout counter
and even the air that blasts from
the front door, there are a lot of
factors that can be a trigger. “In
these cases, we try to shorten our trips,
bring picture lists and take the time to
explain what’s going on. It’s all about patience and understanding,” Joachim said.
During World Autism Month, many businesses and landmarks across the globe will light up their area with the color blue to signify autism awareness. “The community has really embraced our organization and our cause,” Joachim said. “Many businesses on the Coast such as the casinos have joined us in lighting up their buildings in blue.”
You can join the efforts to spread autism awareness by wearing blue on April 2 or adding the #LightItUpBlue photo frame to your Facebook and Twitter profile photos.
AUTISM
AWARENESS
MONTH
SEEKS TO FOSTER UNDERSTANDING
story by Kelsey Sunderman-Foster
For more information, visit www.autismspeaks.org
130 SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living • April 2017
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