April is Autism Acceptance/Awareness Month

Autism Acceptance/Awareness Month is a time to celebrate the unique qualities of people with autism and promote acceptance and inclusion. As parents, we can learn more about autism, support our children’s needs, and promote understanding and kindness toward all individuals. Let us celebrate differences and create a more compassionate world for everyone.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability that can affect a child’s behavior, social, and communication skills. According to the CDC, about 1 in 31 U.S. children (3.2%) are diagnosed on the autism spectrum by the time they are 8 years old, and is over 3 times more common among boys than among girls. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that all children be screened for autism spectrum disorder at their 18- and 24-month checkups.

ASD is a broad and diverse condition that every individual experiences differently. The DSM-5 uses three levels to describe support needs.

You can keep track of your 0-5 year-old’s development with the Ages and Stages Questionnaires (and learn through play with fun activities) with the free Sparkler App. If you are concerned about the development, behavior, or mental health of your child go to the ECCS’s development concerns page.

Learn more about Autism and available resources: