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Autism Awareness Month Activities

Autism is a disorder that affects one in every 110 children in the United States and manifests to varying degrees. Some early indications of autism are lack of interest in relationships and imaginative play, lack of eye contact, delay in speech development and repeating motions or words. This disability cannot be cured, but can be effectively treated, especially if treatment is begun early in life. April is Autism Awareness Month, a time to inform people about autism in order to improve understanding of autism and quality of treatment.

  1. Bounce For Autism

    • During the month of April, the National Autism Society partners with the company Pump It Up to host inflatable bounce party fundraisers throughout the United States to benefit autism research. The fundraisers are designed to be fun for the whole family and there are over 100 events nationwide. Check the Bounce for Autism website to find an event in your area, get your team together and get started collecting donations. If there is not a Bounce for Autism event near you, become the organizer of your community's own bouncy fundraiser.

    Sensory Friendly Films

    • Many children with autism cannot enjoy films the way their peers do because of the intense sensory input experienced by seeing a movie in the theater where the volume is very high and the seating arrangement is constricting . The National Autism Society has organized special showings at AMC theaters throughout the United States called "Sensory Friendly Films." At these movies, the volume is low, the lights are not dimmed, and children are allowed to stand, walk, dance or otherwise be active during the film. Take your family to one of these showings during April to experience a movie from another perspective, and meet some new friends.

    Read a Book

    • Whether you belong to a book club or just want to read up on autism on your own, there are many books that will increase your knowledge and understanding of this disability. You can read some informative non-fiction, such as "Animals in Translation," by Temple Grandin, an animal behaviorist who uses her autism to aid her in understanding animals. If you're looking for a novel, there are several with autistic protagonists. Try "Saving Max," by Antoinette van Heugten, a thriller about an autistic teenager.

    Attend a Speech

    • The organization Autism Speaks, started by grandparents of an autistic child, has become influential throughout the country, due to the autism-related speeches and presentations they orchestrate. Their mission is "to fund global biomedical research into the causes and treatment of autism; to promote public awareness and understanding about autism; to lobby for insurance and increased federal spending; and to offer much needed services for affected families." Visit their website to find an informative speech to attend during April.

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