April Is Autism Awareness Month

News From New York State
Senator Shirley L. Huntley
For Immediate Release: April 4, 2012
Contact: Antonio Rodriguez | arodrigu@nysenate.gov |(518) 455-3531

**PRESS RELEASE**

APRIL IS AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH
Senator Huntley Supports Autism Advocacy

Senator Shirley L. Huntley (D-Jamaica) recognizes April as Autism Awareness Month and encourages New Yorkers to learn more about autism and its effects on children and their families, as well as what can be done to help the cause.

Since the 1970s, April has been designated by the National Autism Society as National Autism Awareness Month in order to highlight the growing need for concern and awareness about autism. Only recently, however, has autism become a focus of the national conscious as rates have skyrocketed.

Autism is a neural development disorder, indicators of the disorder include impaired social interaction and communication, and also by restricted and repetitive behavior. According to the Center for Disease Control, just three decades ago only 3.5 children out of every 10,000 were diagnosed with autism. However, the senator notes that current rates indicate 1 in every 110 children is afflicted.

The Senator recognizes this increase and supports learning more about the disorder and the implications it has on the life of the children with the disorder, and the families that care for them. Some ways you can do this include: 

• Hosting an awareness event (to learn more, please visit www.1power4autism.org).
• Showing your colors by wearing the autism awareness puzzle bracelet (to learn more, please visit www.autism-society.org).
• Passing out informational materials to your community (to learn more, please visit www.autism-society.org/shopdownloads).
• Take action by getting involved with advocacy efforts (to learn more, please visit www.vote4autism.org).
“Autism is a disorder that affects many children and families, however, for most people it is a disorder that is very hard to understand,” said Senator. “By dedicating the month of April to raising awareness, we increase the ability of parents and caregivers to properly identify the signs of autism and give these children the proper attention they deserve.”

Early identification of the signs of autism in children is vital to helping the children and their parents understand the disorder and how to effectively take action. Research has indicated that the earlier a child is diagnosed, the sooner they can benefit from one of the specialized intervention approaches to treatment and education.

For more information about autism, please visit www.autism-society.org