This year, World Autism Awareness Day fell on Sunday April 2nd. This holiday, which was established in 2007 by the United Nations, recognizes awareness of individuals who have the disorder throughout the world. On Monday, April 3rd at noon, an event in the diner to spread awareness occured.
As stated on The Den, the purpose of this event was to help students learn, understand, and advocate for those who have autism. Both the Student Activities Board and Pals For Change were in support of this event.
The Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability which impacts the nervous system. It causes difficulty in communication, repetitive behaviors, and educational difficulties. The condition can be treated, but cannot be cured.
Though autism causes difficulty in learning, those that have the disorder can still learn and succeed in the classroom. This is through the help of parents, doctors, specialists, and communities.
“Professionally, I have to be aware and attuned with my students who are autistic and may need some extra guidance to pull out their best communicating skills,” professor Allen Babiarz-Lira of the Communication Department stated.
Around one percent of the current world population (75,000,000 people) has ASD, and one out of every forty-four children are diagnosed with it. It is four times more common in males than females.
It is declared every year that World Autism Awareness Day highlights the need to improve the quality of life for those with autism, so they can live meaningful lives as a part of society. To honor those who have autism, the color blue is worn by those who celebrate the internationally recognized day.
“I believe Autism Awareness Day is important because it helps people understand not just what autism is, but how it can impact the lives of those who have it,” said first year student, Josh Zubrzycki.
As well, World Autism Awareness Day speaks out against discrimination of those with autism. In July 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act, also known as ADA, was passed. This guarantees equal opportunity of work to individuals with developmental disorders.
The act also established the prohibition of discrimination on the basis of disability, allowing those who have a disability to not be excluded from certain activities.
Support groups for those who have autism include Autism Speaks, Communication Clubhouse, and peer support groups which mainly meet at hospitals.
“Organizations such as Autism Speaks advocate for legislation that can improve the lives of people with Autism,” Zubrzycki continued. “It provides resources for individuals with autism and their families, and these resources range from helpful information to treatment.”
Although Autism Awareness Day may occur only once a year, it is still important to keep in mind that advocacy for autism and other developmental disabilities is a topic discussed every day. To help aid advocacy, Saint Xavier has an organization called Pals for Change.
Pals for Change is a completely volunteer-based organization, and gives students the opportunity to work with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Due to them, events which involve advocacy for change occur on campus.
Events that Pals for Change host can be found and RSVP’d for on the Den.
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