March brings awareness to the developmental disorder, Autism. The disorder appears in the first three years of a child’s life and affects the brain’s normal development of social and communication skills. Autism Speaks is the nonprofit organization that raises funds and awareness to aid families with a child affected. Fundraisers include walks and events that are held locally and nationally.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have reported that around 1 in 88 American children fall under the Autism spectrum. Within the spectrum an estimated 1 out of 54 boys and 1 in 252 girls are diagnosed in the United States. To put this in perspective, more children are diagnosed with Autism yearly than juvenile diabetes, AIDs, or cancer combined. Melissa Gilmour stated, “These statistics are frightening, and I hope it makes people realize how crucial research and funding is for Autism.”

Research has helped find new therapies to strengthen an Autistic child’s communication and social skills. Funding will lead to new technologies that will help children assimilate into society. In the future, these children will not be held back by Autism. Be aware of the options you have to help a child in need. Log on to www.autismspeaks.org to seek further information and donation opportunities.