Posts Tagged ‘Autism Awareness Month’
Autism Speaks and The Autism Society of America are two organizations that are highly dedicated to raising autism awareness. The main focus of these organizations is the individuals who suffer from these disorders, as well as working to raise funds for research and to hopefully find a cure. These organizations raise money for research through benefits, donations and events, such as walks for autism.
After becoming aware that their grandson had autism, Suzanne and Bob Wright founded the organization Autism Speaks in February of 2005. It is based in New York City and is a champion in helping raise autism awareness. The Autism Society of America also does a huge amount of work and began back in 1965. It was founded by Bernard Rimland, Phd. Today, it has grown in huge proportions, with well over 200 chapters nationwide, and over 120,000 members and genuine supporters.
The month of April has been designated as Autism Awareness Month. During April, U.S. television shows dedicate episodes to different aspects of autistic disorders. Also, many companies and organizations have teamed up to raise awareness for autism disorders and funds to help with research. In December 2007, a resolution that declared April 2nd as World Autism Awareness Day was passed by the United Nations. Having awareness raised to these levels is extremely important if huge strides will ever be made in solving the autism puzzle.
Many have heard of autism, but unless you have been affected by the disorder or have a close friend or family member who has been diagnosed with one of the many autism spectrum disorders, then you many not fully understand it. Disorders of this nature normally do not “hit home” until it is witnessed first hand. Organizations such as AS, The ASA and The Walk for Autism Research program work to bring the effects of autism out in the open and show individuals the importance of further research. Only through more research and autism awareness will a cure ever be found.
Tags: Autism Awareness, Autism Awareness Month, Autism Society of America, Autism Speaks, autistic spectrum disorders
