April is Autism Awareness Month
April 1, 2009
Autism Awareness Month Activities
- On December 18, 2007, the United Nations General Assembly adopted resolution 62/139, tabled by the State of Qatar, which declares April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) in perpetuity. Learn more about World Autism Awareness Day.
- This one-page document [] from Autism Society of America details more ways to participate in World Autism Awareness Day.
- Send an eCard through Autism Speaks to family and friends asking them to join you in celebrating World Autism Awareness Day.
- Take a virtual Walk with Wubbzy on the Web, hosted by Autism Speaks, to raise funds while raising awareness about autism.
What's Happening in Autism at AUCD
- Visit AUCD's "Issues" section on Autism to view the latest network and related news about autism.
- Read about Act Early Regional Summits, sponsored by the CDC-NCBDDD and HRSA's MCHB, and coordinated by AUCD
- Learn about the latest policy and legislative developments on autism on the AUCD Policy Page on Autism
- Use the NCSL Autism Legislation Database to search for 2008 and 2009 autism legislation by state, topic, key word, year, status or primary sponsor
- AUCD Members: join the AUCD Autism listserve to discuss and share network activities in autism
About Autism
- Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a group of developmental disabilities defined by significant impairments in social interaction and communication and the presence of unusual behaviors and interests. Many people with ASDs also have unusual ways of learning, paying attention, or reacting to different sensations. The thinking and learning abilities of people with ASDs can vary - from gifted to severely challenged. ASD begins before the age of 3 and lasts throughout a person's life. It occurs in all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups and is four times more likely to occur in boys than girls. (Source: CDC.gov) >>Learn more about autism from the CDC.