HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Autism is a developmental disability that affects the way people experience the world. This may include differences in processing senses, thinking, physically moving, communicating, socializing and going about daily living. Autism affects every autistic person differently, and there isn’t one way to be autistic.
"First of all, a lot of people think autism is a disorder for children and the children grow up," Jenny Morris of Autism Support Alabama shares. "We are finding that we have a lot of adults now being diagnosed with autism because they grew up, you know, maybe they were higher functioning or they had more abilities or fewer symptoms of autism, but they still, in fact, have autism and they maybe didn't know why they were different."
National Autism Awareness Month raises awareness for Autism during April. About one in 36 children have autism spectrum disorder, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states. This number is on the rise, especially as children of color receive more diagnoses. "Not only do we want to be aware of the people around us that have autism, but we want to be aware of the people around us that have other unique abilities," Morris shares. "I think because the world is changing its opening up for autism and people are having a better understanding, they're having more tolerance, they're more aware of it and they're more accepting of it."
Autism Support of Alabama is gearing up for 'Walk the Walk', their annual Autism Awareness walk that will be held Saturday, April 22 from 11:00am – 2:00pm at the Jaycees Community Building. “We’re so excited about our walk this year. This is the first time in two years we’ll gather in-person in support of autism,” says Anna Maple, ASA’s Walk Coordinator. “Participants can learn about service providers at the resource fair, listen to music, get their faces painted and enjoy light refreshments. But the highlight will be taking positive steps as a community to increase awareness and acceptance.”
Morris says this walk is also about building community. "We're excited, you know, when we get together for this, we meet new people. You might be in a situation that you have just had your young child diagnosed, and this way you can meet up with other people that are in a similar situation to you. You might have an older child like I do with autism, but you still get to meet new people that are in your situation. It's just about expanding your circle and expanding your knowledge."
To get more information and to register click here.