Remember: Autism awareness
APRIL is Autism Awareness Month, a period used to raise awareness about the disorder.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and autism are both general terms for a group of complex disorders of brain development. These disorders are characterised, in varying degrees, by difficulties in social interaction, verbal and non-verbal communication, and repetitive behaviours. With the May 2013 publication of the DSM-5 diagnostic manual, all autism disorders were merged into one umbrella diagnosis of ASD. Previously, they were recognised as distinct subtypes, including autistic disorder, childhood disintegrative disorder, pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS), and Asperger syndrome.
ASD can be associated with intellectual disability, difficulties in motor coordination, and attention and physical health issues such as sleep and gastrointestinal disturbances. Some persons with ASD excel in visual skills, music, math and art.
As part of the recognition, April 2 was recognised as Autism Awareness Day where organisations and individuals either lit their buildings blue or wore blue to show support for people living with the disorder.
The Jamaica Autism Support Association held an event dubbed Surfing for Autism, which comprised a day for families living with autism to try something different and ride the waves with the Jamaica Surfing Association.
The month will continue with an annual church service on April 10 at the Holy Cross Church, a Light it Up BLUE: Autism Awareness Presentation on April 13 at the UWI, Mona Undercroft, and the Annual World Autism Concert on April 30 at Emancipation Park.
