Autism is much more common than some may think. As of 2015, every one in 68 U.S. children has autism and over 2.8 million families are affected. Over the years, these numbers have been on the rise. It is only right that people who don't know anyone on the spectrum learn a few things about what autism really is.

1. Each individual on the spectrum is different.

It is not uncommon for autistic people to be grouped together. If you know one individual on the spectrum, you know one individual on the spectrum. Even though two people may be on the autism spectrum, they are most likely very different. There are countless behaviors, levels of functions and personalities that each autistic individual has. Humans without autism are not compared simply because they all have hair, so people with autism should not be compared simply because they all have autism. The spectrum is very large, so putting all individuals with autism into the same little box will not do them justice.

2. Each individual has likes and interests.

Autistic individuals have personalities just like the rest of us. The only difference is that they have challenges that sometimes overshadow them. However, these challenges by no means define them. It is important that we recognize that these individuals have things they love and are good at; they just have a few obstacles that get in the way of that sometimes.

3. Each individual has their own strengths and weaknesses.

As previously mentioned, each autistic person is different. Therefore, they each have different things they are good at and not so good at. One individual may be very high-functioning and more verbal than another. Another individual may not be very verbal but may excel in certain school subjects. It is important to acknowledge their strengths and weaknesses and give them credit for what they are able to do.

4. Individuals with autism typically have sensory issues.

This one speaks for itself. People on the spectrum may be affected by loud sounds, bright light or the amplification of any of their other senses. It is common for their senses to provide unreliable information, so their sensory issues may cause them great discomfort or anxiety. If you see an autistic individual holding their ears in public, don't think that they are odd for doing so. Whatever noise triggered that response was much louder for them than it was for you.

5. Individuals with autism may have difficultly decoding social cues.

One challenge people on the spectrum face is their inability to understand common social cues. They often do not understand sarcasm, cannot interpret social gestures and may appear as awkward or uncomfortable in overwhelming social situations. If an autistic individual is obviously affected by this and starts to act out in public, do not stare. It is easier said than done; but staring at the individual or their family will not do anything to help the situation.

6. Individuals with autism may make inappropriate noises or comments.

An autistic individual's lack of social skills may result in this. It is important to realize that these individuals do not make noises or comments with the intention of bothering or insulting anyone. If you see any individual making inappropriate noises or comments in public, again, you should not stare, or say anything to the family or whoever is with the individual. Rolling your eyes at the individual's noises or questioning the parent's parenting skills will also not help the situation, and to put it simply, it is quite rude. It is better to just keep to yourself and try to understand that the individual means no harm.

7. There is no easy fix or solution.

As of now, autism spectrum disorders are incurable. Yes, we have discovered and are continuing to discover new ways to manage autism, but there is no easy fix or solution. We must accept the fact that these individuals will have to endure a variety of challenges in their lifetime, but it is our duty to help them through each challenge and love and accept them as they are.