Activities That Helped Raise Autism Awareness
Many organizations exist today with the purpose of raising autism awareness. One of these organizations is The Autism Society of America. This organization was founded with the purpose of helping individuals affected by autism. Over the years, this organization has grown from just a handful of parents to well over 120,000 supporters and members, nationwide. This organization is only one of many that fight to heighten awareness of these disorders and to raise funds that are appropriated for autism research. Another organization designed to do similar work is Autism Speaks.
After becoming aware that their grandson had autism, Suzanne and Bob Wright founded the organization Autism Speaks in February of 2005. It is based in New York City and is a champion in helping raise autism awareness. The Autism Society of America also does a huge amount of work and began back in 1965. It was founded by Bernard Rimland, Phd. Today, it has grown in huge proportions, with well over 200 chapters nationwide, and over 120,000 members and genuine supporters.
The month of April has been designated as Autism Awareness Month. During April, U.S. television shows dedicate episodes to different aspects of autistic disorders. Also, many companies and organizations have teamed up to raise awareness for autism disorders and funds to help with research. In December 2007, a resolution that declared April 2nd as World Autism Awareness Day was passed by the United Nations. Having awareness raised to these levels is extremely important if huge strides will ever be made in solving the autism puzzle.
Many have heard of autism, but unless you have been affected by the disorder or have a close friend or family member who has been diagnosed with one of the many autism spectrum disorders, then you many not fully understand it. Disorders of this nature normally do not “hit home” until it is witnessed first hand. Organizations such as AS, The ASA and The Walk for Autism Research program work to bring the effects of autism out in the open and show individuals the importance of further research. Only through more research and autism awareness will a cure ever be found.
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