Fresh off the heels of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, The Arc of Monmouth is continuing its community efforts in April as part of Autism Awareness Month.
This year’s awareness month is more important than ever before, as a recent study by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revealed that autism now affects one in 50 children. Federal officials believe that the increase is primarily due to better diagnosis.
Keeping that statistic in mind, it is important to note that the definition of autism differs depending on who is explaining autism spectrum disorders. Generally speaking, autism spectrum disorders describe a range of neurodevelopmental disorders that significantly impact communication and social skills, and are evidenced by restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests or activities.
Significant changes to the definitions of certain disorders on the autism spectrum will be implemented in this May’s new edition of the Diagnostic Statistical Manual (DSM), used by medical professionals, government agencies and insurers. There has been much talk about what this will mean to individuals and their families when it comes to obtaining a diagnosis and receiving services.
Aside from official terms and statistics, The Arc believes that the best way to increase awareness is by focusing on the achievements of individuals with autism. All month long, The Arc will be sharing stories of achievement on its Facebook and Twitter pages. The public is invited to submit stories to [email protected].
A major part of this month’s community-based awareness efforts is a new art show entitled “Autism Awareness Month: Inclusion Works!” Currently on display at The Arc of Monmouth’s Red Horse Gallery (Freehold Raceway Mall, 2nd Floor), the exhibit features artwork created by students at Manalapan High School, artists from Helping Hands Art, students from the Coastal Learning Center, and a collection of posters that were part of an art contest sponsored by the New Jersey Coalition for Inclusive Education. This exhibit is currently on display through May 22, with a “Meet the Artists” reception on Tuesday, April 9, from 5-7 p.m.
Autism information and a wealth of resources can be found at www.autismnow.org. Autism NOW is a project of The Arc funded in part by the Administration on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.
The Arc of Monmouth is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit agency providing healthcare, residential services, education, employment and vocational training, recreation and other vital services to more than 1,400 individuals with autism, Down syndrome, and other intellectual and developmental disabilities. To learn more, please call 732-493-1919 or visit www.arcofmonmouth.org.
Brett Colby
Director of Development
The Arc of Monmouth
Tinton Falls