April 2 is National Autism Awareness Day; did you recognize it as a holiday? The whole month of April is Autism Awareness Month, so you haven't missed your chance just yet to be a little more educated and aware of the events going on and the disorder that April brings attention to. As the fastest growing developmental disability, Autism is something you want to know a little bit about.

Autism is a developmental disability that affects over 3 million Americans on a very broad spectrum with varying degrees of severity. It ranges from mild to severe with about a million different degrees of severity in between. Research has yet to find the exact cause of autism and its symptoms. Some of the common characteristics of those who live with autism as a part of their life include language delays, difficulty exercising social graces in conversation (ie: eye contact, conversation flow, etc.), sensory sensitivities, and occasional fine and gross motor skill difficulties.

Those who are diagnosed with autism are diagnosed on the autism spectrum based upon the number of the above-listed characteristics (and a few not mentioned) and also by the prominence of the symptoms within their lives.

Many individuals who have autism are highly functioning and live the same kind of life as you do. The research and support for autism awareness has grown exponentially so that professionals and families of those who live with it are able to adjust their lifestyles to fit it. In my opinion, autism isn't a disability or a trait that should dictate an individual's life. It just requires some adjustments and pro-active steps to reduce the impact of the symptoms.

Some of the absolute greatest kids I've worked with and had the privilege of meeting throughout my education and my work life have been on the autism spectrum. Autism shouldn't be considered a condition, disability or a burden because it simply isn't. The significant impact that autism has made on our world shouldn't be associated with a negative connotation because it is the fastest growing developmental "disability" or because it requires special attention in school or more attention from families. Its significance should be recognized because of the amazing individuals that live with it but don't let it change how they live or who they are.

I would like to encourage you to do a little more research on your own time and spread the awareness within your own communities because you can help make an impact on the research, awareness, treatments and overall attitude that is associated with autism.