THE Autism Society of the CNMI and autism groups throughout the United States have declared April as Autism Awareness Month.
According to the Autism Society of America, as many as 1.5 million adults and children in the U.S. have autism or a related spectrum disorder and this number is rising.
The Centers for Disease Control has stated that one out of every 150 babies born today will be diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder.
Autism is a neurological disorder affecting social interaction, behaviors, and communication.
The exact cause of autism is still unknown, but several treatments are available to help improve autism symptoms.
On average, children are diagnosed with autism around the age of 2 1/2 to 3 years of age. Some of the signs health care professionals look for are as follows:
• Total lack of or delays in development of language skills
• Lack of interest in developing friendships or play with others, little or no eye contact, repetitive mannerisms such as hand flapping, rocking back and forth,
• Walking on toes
• Unusual ways of playing with toys (repeatedly lining toys up or spinning them)
• Temper tantrums if a routine is disrupted
• Appearance of lack of awareness to feelings of others
• Sensitivity to sounds or touch
The Autism Society of the CNMI was formed to provide support and information to parents and families of children with autism, as well as, promote, protect, and advocate the rights of all children with autism in the CNMI. For more information, call 234-8803/4 or 322-3761 or e-mail as_cnmi@yahoo.com.