National Autism Acceptance Month: 3 Things You Didn’t Know About Autism

April is Autism Acceptance Month, a dedicated time for raising awareness of autism and promoting acceptance in the community.

Autism is a developmental disability that affects how a person communicates and interacts with the world around them. In 2020, one in 36 8-year-olds were identified with autism. There is no cure for autism, but early identification and interventions are continually being researched.

Here are 3 quick facts you may not have known about autism:

#1: Autism is a Spectrum Condition

Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), affects people in different ways. Like all people, those with ASD have their own strengths, weaknesses, desires, and goals in life. Autistic people also have varying support needs. Some people may need 24/7 care, while others just need clearer communication and a little extra patience.

#2: Autism Affects the Whole Body

There’s growing evidence that autism is linked to a host of physical health issues. Individuals with autism often have delayed development of motor skills and core strength, which can affect their daily lives in a variety of ways. Sleep disorders, gastrointestinal issues, and seizures are also associated with ASD.

#3: People with Autism Live Fulfilling Lives

With the right resources and supports, many adults with autism can — and do — live fulfilling lives and achieve their goals, including obtaining meaningful employment.

Yet despite having the desire to work, only about 22% of individuals with disabilities, including those with autism, are employed. At Ohio Valley Goodwill, we’re on a mission to change that!

Through our job training programs and employment services, we help individuals with disabilities empower themselves and lead more independent lives within their own communities.

How can you help job seekers with disabilities? It’s easy! Support the Goodwill mission by shopping in our retail thrift stores or donating your gently used goods. Every purchase or donation helps change lives for the better.

If you’re an employer, consider the benefits of hiring someone with autism or other disabilities. We know that individuals with disabilities make great employees, and we want to help you discover the difference, too.