April is Autism Awareness Month.We are a few days in but it is never too late to observe and spread awareness of a worthy cause.The call of Autism Awareness Month is to educate our communities about Autism and Light it up BLUE! That could mean sporting blue clothing in support or it could mean wearing blue nails like TV and radio personality,Ms.Kitty did on Magnum Kings and Queens of Dancehall, in support of autism awareness.
Autism or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a range of neurodevelopment disorders that is characterized by impairments in social interaction ,communication and restricted,repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behaviour.
A child with autism can appear to be developing normally and then withdraw and become uninterested in social engagement.From as early as infancy, a baby with ASD may be unresponsive to people or focus intently on one item to the exclusion of others for a long period of time.Many children with autism engage in repetitive movements such as rocking or spinning their bodies,or in self-abusive behavior such as biting or banging their heads.They also tend to start speaking later than other children.
Some early signs of Autism/ASDs include:
- no babbling or pointing by age 1
- No single words by 16 months or two-word phrases by age 2
- No response to name
- Loss of language or social skills
- poor eye contact
- Excessive lining up of toys or objects
- No smiling or social responsiveness
Scientists aren't sure what causes Autism/ASD but genetic and environmental factors are likely to play a role.
Unfortunately,there is no cure for Autism or its associated disorders (ASDs).Autism may only be treated by educational or behavioral interventions,medication and other therapies.
We at Master One Productions Ltd did not paint our nails blue but we salute Autism Awareness Month by lighting it up blue and by it we mean our logo.We do hope you learned something today and help to spread the awareness.Shine a light on Autism and light it up blue!
For more information visit the Jamaica Autism Support Association's website
