Autism Speaks is the "world's leading autism science and advocacy organization, dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families" (Autism Speaks). Autism Speaks was founded in 2005 and has been growing ever since. 1 in 88 American children have autism. It is more commonly found in boys than girls, 4 times more likely in boys (Autism Speaks). Although they cannot pin point one specific factor for the cause of autism, "the clearest evidence of these autism risk factors involves events before and during birth. They include advanced parental age at time of conception (both mom and dad), maternal illness during pregnancy and certain difficulties during birth, particularly those involving periods of oxygen deprivation to the baby’s brain. It is important to keep in mind that these factors, by themselves, do not cause autism. Rather, in combination with genetic risk factors, they appear to modestly increase risk" (Autism Speaks). Autism is "characterized, in varying degrees, by difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviors. Autism can be associated with intellectual disability, difficulties in motor coordination and attention and physical health issues such as sleep and gastrointestinal disturbances" (Autism Speaks). Autism is based on a large spectrum of difficulties, but organizations like Autism Speaks are creating awareness for the autism disorder. Not only are they providing information about autism, they are raising money and providing funding for research to be done.
Owen, the child I had the pleasure of babysitting this summer, has autism. He is the one of the smartest 8 year olds I know. His memory is incredible, better than most people I know. He can remember every song in a movie. Even if he has only seen the movie once, he still can sing every song. He knows every word to every book in his collection of stories stored on his book shelves. He proclaims them with such enthusiasm and understanding, that you just want to listen to him for hours. Most people don't really understand what autistic children are like. You could read a million articles about autistic children, but you don't really know what they're like unless you spend time with them. Just today, one of the people I live with said that autistic kids are kids that can't talk. Although some autistic children are unable to, not all of them are that way. There are different levels of autism, just as there are different levels to most everything. Knowing one thing about a disorder, doesn't really mean anything. You may think you have it all figured out, but you will never know until you are actually associated with these children. These children have extraordinary gifts. Exceptional memory, phenomenal music abilities, or being able to change your mood with just a look, are just some of the things you hear about. You can't help but smile when you,re with Owen. He makes you feel special and can instantly change the way you are feeling. He is an incredible child, just as all children, disability or not, are.
Source:
http://www.autismspeaks.org/about-us
http://www.autismspeaks.org/about-us
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