April is Autism awareness month

By Karen Donato
Staff Writer
    April is Autism month. There are more than a million people living with autism today in the United States. What is autism? According to the medical findings it is defined as a complex developmental disability that typically appears in the first three years of life. It affects a person’s ability to communicate and interact with others. It affects individuals differently and in varied degrees.
    A 2007 report from the Centers for disease control and prevention reported that the prevalence of autism has risen to one in 150 American children and almost one in 94 boys.
    There is no known cause, but it is generally accepted that it is caused by abnormalities in the brain structure. What seems normal to most, is not to the person suffering with autism. Autistic individuals are unique, each with their own makeup, what works for one many not for the next. The autistic population hears sounds we do not hear. They may hear the beats of a fluorescent bulb or experience heightened smell or touch sensitivity. They often perceive the world as chaotic and when many of these senses become overloaded the autistic person reacts either by repeating words or sounds, flailing their hands or arms or trying to escape to a place that is secure. The autistic person may not have eye contact with you, so asking them to look at you can be an impossible task. The autistic person may not respond to ‘stop’. They may sometimes be found curled up in a ball in a closet or a corner. This is a safe place to them.
    The autistic rely on others and should not be left alone. It is important that first responders recognize the autistic population and know how to handle them correctly.