Five A’s for Autism

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in March 2014, 1 in 68 US children has an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) which is a 30% increase from 1 in 88 two years ago.  With the increase in statistics, naturally intensified concern has been directed towards autism.

The seventh annual World Autism Awareness Day is April 2, 2014. Since 2007, autism organizations around the world celebrate the day with fund-raising and awareness-raising events. It is long-awaited that literally the “world” is becoming “aware” of autism, and, at the same time, it is of the utmost importance to make this awareness both practical and significant. I propose “Five A’s for autism”:

1. AWARENESS: We have become aware that the diagnoses of autism are on the rise.
   Practicality and significance: More and more people of all ages and backgrounds are affected by this disorder, so it is more likely to touch someone you know.

2. ATTENTION: Now that we have become aware, we can pay attention to the signs of autism.
   Practicality and significance: Autism can only be diagnosed by observation, so it is up to everyone in the child’s life to be watchful.

3. ACTION: Once we are aware, we can report what we see and hear to the child’s caregivers, educators, doctors, and family and friends.
   Practicality and significance: The earlier a diagnosis of autism is established, the sooner treatment which involves the help of all of the significant people in the child’s life can begin for the best quality of life.

4. ACCEPTANCE: While treatment helps the child progress through life, autism presents challenges throughout the lifespan. We need to be sensitive to the differences that people with autism have.
   Practicality and significance: Our focus is on the person, not the disability.

5. ADVOCACY: When we have become fully aware, attentive, action-oriented, and accepting of the person with autism, we must advocate for them.
   Practicality and significance: At the heart of autism is difficulty relating to other people in society and trouble communicating. Therefore, people with autism rely on us to be their voices and their supporters.

Awareness is absolutely an important first step. Let’s go beyond and keep in mind the “Five A’s” on Autism Awareness Day.  And everyday.

-KKS