Every April, the world comes together to celebrate World Autism Awareness Month. 的 Huntsman Mental Health Institute (HMHI) at University of Utah Health is dedicated to raising awareness about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and the variety of challenges that people with ASD face in their lives.
What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?
自闭症谱系障碍 is a neurodevelopmental disability that impairs social communication or interaction and leads to narrow, 受限制的利益, like fixation on certain topics or objects, 重复行为, such as repeating words or repeating body movements, that don't seem to have a purpose. Autism is known as a spectrum disorder because of the wide range of symptom severity that people can experience. Signs and symptoms of 自闭症谱系障碍 can include:
- 缺少眼神交流
- difficulty establishing and maintaining relationships
- difficulty with back-and-forth conversations
- inability to 理解 other people's actions or points of view
- 延迟的语言
- a limited range of interests
- very intense interests in certain topics, such as numbers or facts
- repetitive actions that don't have a purpose, and unusual responses to sights, 听起来, 气味, 口味, 触摸, 和运动
Autism prevalence among 8-year-old Utah children has risen by nearly 30 percent in less than a decade, 根据… new study led by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “Utah's 自闭症 prevalence is significantly higher now than when we last measured it,” says Deborah Bilder， MD, a co-author of the study and a professor of child and adolescent psychiatry and pediatrics at HMHI. “I believe Utah legislation passed over the last decade has had a substantial positive impact on children's access to 自闭症 diagnostic and treatment 服务,比尔德说.
Practices that improve equitable access to early ASD identification and 服务 are a vital step forward. “That's why these studies are so important,” says 阿曼达·巴基安博士. “的y not only help us get a better idea of the growing prevalence of 自闭症 but can also help us improve policies, 服务, and research directed toward helping children and their families affected by 自闭症.”
Moving from “Awareness” to Acceptance and Inclusion
Many organizations, such as the Autism Society, have renamed April “Autism Acceptance” month. This change shifts the conversation to one that emphasizes the inclusion and belonging of autistic people. Autism acceptance emphasizes that autistic people deserve welcoming communities, inclusive workplaces and schools, 机会均等. It also encourages us to celebrate autistic individuals just as they are and learn to be more accommodating to their behaviors and needs. 的re are many things we can all do to be more accepting and inclusive of autistic children and 成年人, including some of the following:
- Educate your school-aged children about 自闭症
- Focus on the strengths of an autistic individual
- 使用适当的语言
- Provide meaningful opportunities for individuals with 自闭症 to be included
It is critical that as we learn more about 自闭症, we also recognize the many contributions people with 自闭症 bring to our lives, 教育别人, and advocate for more inclusivity.
Autism Spectrum Disorder Treatment
HMHI cares for patients of all ages with neurodevelopmental disabilities at all stages of their disorder. HMHI's Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinic works with children, 青少年, 成年人, and their families across the continuum of care to research, 理解, and improve the lives of individuals with 自闭症谱系障碍s. Our clinics and programs have been developing incredible research into 自闭症 prevalence among Utah children. To learn more about 自闭症谱系障碍, please visit our 诊所的网站.
其他资源
“孤独症代言人” - “孤独症代言人” is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing research into causes and treatments for 自闭症谱系障碍s. 的y also promote increased 理解ing and acceptance of people on the 自闭症 spectrum.
自闭症协会 - 自闭症协会 is a nonprofit organization focused on raising public awareness about the issues and challenges that people on the 自闭症 spectrum face.
前进的道路
HMHI is aiming for a future that maximizes our 理解ing of 自闭症, while providing resources and a loving and accepting community. If we work together to build empathetic and safe spaces, we can create a world that gives people with 自闭症 a more fulfilling life. Awareness and acceptance of 自闭症 is an incredibly important project, and it begins with 理解ing and compassion.