Autism Awarness Month (Photo – Kentuckyguard)
In 1972, the Autism Society launched the first annual National Autistic Children’s week, which evolved into National Autism Awareness Month (NAAM). The thirteenth annual World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) is April 2, 2020.
By Laura Hackett
On March 26, 2020, the Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) voted to designate April as “National Autism Awareness Month to increase public awareness of the need to support individuals with Autism and the family members and professionals who care for individuals with Autism.” The PUSD will celebrate National Autism Awareness Month with online activities; in addition, Autism Speaks has launched a project in support of WAAD called Light It Up Blue. Landmarks, social media sites, and communities around the world will Light It Up Blue to show their support, and to show we how must educate the public about autism, inclusive services, and issues within the autism community.
A summary of the PUSD action recognizes that, “Autism is a pervasive developmental disorder affecting the social, learning and behavioral skills of those affected by it. . . . More children are being diagnosed on the autistic spectrum, resulting in as high as one in 45 children diagnosed. Autism knows no racial, ethnic, or social boundaries . . . . While there is no cure for autism, it is well-established that early intervention can improve outcomes by significantly improving the cognitive, language, and adaptive skills of all children with autism. The Pasadena Unified School District recognizes the importance of assistance in the areas of comprehensive early intervention in early, primary, and secondary education.”
In addition, an amendment of the student transportation contract with First Student, Inc. passed with an anticipated effect of providing safe transportation from home to school for Special Education Students. PUSD classes are is set to resume May 5, 2020; Superintendent, Dr. Brian McDonald, was granted the ability to act swiftly during the Covid-19 Pandemic.
Five Autism Books with which to Celebrate National Autism Awareness Month:
- The Autism Acceptance Book: Being A Friend To Someone with Autism by Ellen Sabin
- Asperger’s on the Job by Rudy Somone
- Challenging the Myths of Autism: Unlock New Possibilities and Hope by Jonathan Alderson
- Asperger’s in Pink by Julie Clark
- The Aspie Teen’s Survival Guide: Candid Advice for Teens, Tweens, and Parents, from a Young Man with Asperger’s Syndrome by J.D. Kraus
Online Resources for Autism:
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