Why Autism Awareness is Important? Let's join together to raise autism awareness and recognition in our respective cultures.

Some organizations are assisting in the promotion of peer recognition, sibling support, protection, and more through the provision of information services. Let’s help in creating a kinder, more accepting community.

What are the facts?

• Overall Mortality - mortality risk among the autism population is twice as high as the general population. (e.g seizures, accidents, suffocation and drowning)

• Wandering/ Elopement - children who wander/elope never or rarely able to communicate their name, address or phone number.

• Restraint/Seclusion - many with disabilities, have died due to seclusion and restraints being used in schools.

• Bullying - children are bullied at school by their peers and at home by their siblings.

• Sexual Abuse - 1 in 6 boys and 1 in 4 girls suffer from sexual abuse before the age of 18.

What are the Causes and Risk Factors?

• Most scientists agree that genes are one of the risk factors that can make a person more likely to develop ASD.

• Children who have a sibling with ASD are at a higher risk of also having ASD.

• Individuals with certain genetic or chromosomal conditions, such as fragile X syndrome or tuberous sclerosis, can have a greater chance of having ASD.

• When taken during pregnancy, the rx drugs valproic acid and thalidomide have been linked with a higher risk of ASD.

• There is some evidence that the critical period for developing ASD occurs before, during and immediately after birth.

• Children born to older parents are at greater risk of having ASD.

We hope these posts have been helpful and educational. And as always, let’s find ways to spread a little kindness everyday.

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