April 2nd marks the day that we celebrate World Autism Awareness Day! Did you know Autism is one of the fastest-growing disorders in the United States? However, this diagnosis has become more known and accepted due to the awareness that days (like World Autism Awareness Day) have brought to the disability. 

Quick Facts:

1. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) affects about 1 in every 36 children. 
2. Boys are nearly 5 times more likely to be diagnosed with ASD than girls. 
3. ASD is one of the fastest-growing development disorders. 
4. Symptoms usually become present by the age of 3 and last through the lifetime. 
5. Early identification and support can be extremely beneficial!

How can you celebrate World Autism Awareness Day? Here are some cool ways to celebrate this amazing day:

1. Spread Kindness: Being kind is free! Help make the world a more inclusive place by spreading positivity, practicing acceptance, and doing your part to be kind. 
2. Search up famous people with Autism: Dan Aykroyd, Daryl Hannah, and the creator of “Pokémon,” Satoshi Tajiri, are just a few of the amazing individuals with Autism. 
3. Representing what you wear- blue, red, whichever color you decide, helps bring awareness and shows your support on April 2nd. 
4. Learn the History of Autism. Did you know the term Autism was first used in 1908? World Autism Awareness Day was created by the U.N. in 2007! 
5. Support Autism-friendly businesses and those that employ individuals with Autism. Places such as Home Depot, Walgreens, and AMC are just a few places that have programs to help hire individuals with Autism. 

As a mother of a child with Autism, this day is special to me and my family. We get to celebrate the unique abilities that my son has and all the joy that he brings to our family. He has taught us patience, understanding, given us knowledge, but most of all, he has taught us acceptance. Today, on World Autism Awareness Day, we celebrate the unique individuals in our lives. We celebrate the successes that have been present. We celebrate the challenges that have made us stronger. We celebrate diversity. As Dr. Seuss said, “Why fit in when you were born to stand out?”

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