Joining the Fight Against Autism

Joining the fight against autism would have seemed a strange calling one or two generations ago. In those days autism was barely visible on the national health radar. But today according to the statistics shared by "Autism Speaks", a national organization combating autism, there is a far greater presence of autism among our national population. It is rather frightening to recognize that one out of every 110 children in the U. S. will be affected by autism. The statistics are even more alarming for the male population where 1 out of 70 will be touched by this behavioral menace. Today there is good reason for all of us to consider joining the fight against autism.

Many of us have come to at least a superficial knowledge of autism by reading informally on the topic in magazines and on line. Lots of folks have been enlightened about the effects of autism on the individual's perception of the world around through movies like "Rainman" with Dustin Hoffman and Tom Cruise and more recently in the award winning "Temple Grandin". with Claire Danes.

The truth is autism is no movie or magazine article. It can be at worst a nightmare and at best a daily challenge for those afflicted and for all those who find themselves in support of the autism patient. If you have had the opportunity to know autism close up through your job, volunteering, friends or even a family member you know that while it can have its rewarding, even at times amusing aspects, autism, for most of those afflicted and their support network, is an exhaustive and seemingly endless labor.

"Autism Speaks" provides a focal point for all those interested in joining the fight against autism. The "Autism Speaks" organization addresses several main elements of the battle against autism. One of its major goals is to provide financial support to the international search for a cure for and prevention of the onset of autism. This is obviously the most overwhelming task pursued by all those who have joined the fight against autism. Funding for extensive research about autism is as essential as it is in dealing with other life altering diseases like cancer or Alzheimer's Disease.

"Autism Speaks" recognizes that the road to greater funding is greater awareness. It includes among its major goals a continuing effort to educate the public about autism, its growing presence and its effects on individuals and their families. "Autism Speaks" raises awareness through public events like fund raising walks and an active website.

"Autism Speaks" stays connected to those whom it attempts to serve by providing supportive information on its website. There families can find connections to local groups working with autism. Age appropriate resources for use with autistic children are also available. Families working with autistic children do not need to feel alone. Through "Autism Speaks" help is available.

Autism doesn't personally effect every child or every family but the numbers of those it does strike are alarming. Every American can join in the fight against autism by self-education about the disease, spreading awareness and facts to those in your own circle of friends or colleagues and sharing some of your financial resources, no matter the amount, to provide public assistance in the battle autism through "Autism Speaks". For more information about autism begin with the "Autism Speaks" website.

Resources
www.autismspeaks.org
www.autism.com