To The Daily: April is Autism Awareness Month.

At some point in our lives, all of us will likely have dealings with an autism-affected individual. Autism is present in every racial, ethnic and socioeconomic group. During this month, people will hopefully take time to learn more about this baffling disorder that affects 30,000 in our state alone.

Autistic Spectrum Disorders, or ASD, are often mistaken as being a lone condition as opposed to a spectrum. Many often equate autism with what was in the film “Rain Man.” Actually, Autistic Spectrum Disorders are quite varied and include typical Autistic Disorder, Pervasive Development Disorder, Asperger Syndrome, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder and Rett’s Syndrome. While all share some common symptoms and effects, there are variations among these conditions.

Individuals with Asperger Syndrome have no childhood language delays and do not usually have cognitive impairments, but they may exhibit the same fixations on themes or objects as individuals with typical Autistic Disorder.

People affected with Asperger Syndrome often appear to be normal people simply behaving atypically. People affected by Rett’s Syndrome develop normally as infants, but digress into an onset of the loss of cognitive and other functions beginning usually at about 2 years of age.

For autistic individuals in Alabama, services are fragmented and the number of providers is inadequate. Insurance does not cover necessary and costly therapy, and family support groups are scarce. There is no cure for autism, but with intensive therapy, individuals with autism can lead fulfilling, active lives.

Visit the Autism Society of Alabama Web site to learn more and please pass on the information you learn. Join the Walk for Autism on April 25 at Delano Park. Thank you on behalf of my family and others affected by autism.

Carmen Callahan
Decatur