Every April, we recognize National Autism Awareness Month, which focuses on spreading awareness, improving understanding and promoting acceptance of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Most of us are aware of the challenges families impacted by ASD may face throughout their lives. Research studies, media reports, social media and events help us keep up to date. But do we really think about the many amazing positive qualities people with ASD possess?

Traits that make people with Autism Spectrum Disorder awesome people, friends and coworkers

• Creative—People on the spectrum look at the world differently and process information in a unique way, making them independent and creative thinkers who can visualize solutions to problems that others may not see.
• Detail-oriented—People on the spectrum are highly attuned to detail. Little things that most of us might overlook, such as spelling or punctuation, stand out to individuals on the spectrum. They take note of specific details such as colors and names and remember directions.
• Honest—Many people with ASD are often black-and-white thinkers, so it makes no sense to them to lie. They are not afraid to tell us what they really think, but they tell the truth quite openly and accurately reflect their feelings, whether positive or negative.
• Non-judgmental—Because of their black-and-white thinking, people with ASD rarely compare others to any set of standards or expectations. Therefore, they are more likely to accept differences, see us as we are and not expect us to change.
• Passionate—Many people with ASD have a wide range of interests and are extremely impassioned about the things, ideas and people in their lives. They pursue interests with 100% of their energy and research obsessively until they have a deep understanding of the subject. They spend the time, energy and imagination needed to really master their interests and stick with things through difficulties and frustration.
• Reliable—People with ASD appreciate routines. Once a routine or rule is set, you can rely on them to follow it precisely. If it is on the calendar, you can be sure they will be there and arrive on time.

Keeping an eye on the positive characteristics of people with ASD is key to promoting wider acceptance. Help your family, friends and others learn why they are amazing and special by sharing this blog post.

To learn more about Magellan Healthcare’s work with Autism Spectrum Disorder, click here. 

Sources:            

• https://www.appliedbehavioranalysisedu.org/top-10-awesome-things-about-being-on-the-autism-spectrum/
• https://autismawarenesscentre.com/the-positives-of-autism/

April is Autism Awareness Month and another opportunity to promote inclusion and self-determination for those on the autism spectrum. Like many impacted by this challenging disorder, my family has our own story and my hope is that by sharing it, we can help others.

Our now nine year old son, Vaughn, was diagnosed with autism at 18 months. A mere 13 months younger than his typically-developing sister, my husband and I could tell that something was not quite right with our son. Vaughn wasn’t walking or talking and was overly-obsessed with anything that spun. He wouldn’t make eye contact with people and wasn’t motivated to engage with our family. It was both scary and heartbreaking and we knew we needed to do something. Little did we know how much our next steps would change, and continue to shape, our lives.

Artwork by Vaughn

The day we were given the diagnosis was one of the hardest days of my life. I worried about my son’s future and whether he would ever learn to communicate his needs, make friends or even live independently. As a mother, you want those things for your children and you worry when the future path isn’t clear. Thankfully my husband and I parked our tears and bonded together to do everything we could to change the trajectory of Vaughn’s life. We quickly immersed ourselves in learning all we could about this complex and wide spectrum disorder, discovering just how important it was to intervene early and often for the biggest impact. And we did just that; fully determined, we dove in and never looked back.

While most children were enjoying the freedoms of exploration and play, Vaughn was working as many as 35 hours a week for years on things that would seem so simple to some—things like learning how to speak and shape sounds, how to play appropriately with toys and even how to properly engage other children and people. My husband and I often marveled at how hard Vaughn worked and how little he complained. However, as parents, we often struggled to strike the balance between being therapists consistently executing interventions and being just a regular mom and a dad to both of our children.

Fortunately, and with the help of many wonderful people and organizations, we were able to effectively navigate the system and provide Vaughn with comprehensive services and support, some of which he still receives today. Vaughn is in a typical classroom, participating in typical activities and has many friends. He is a talented artist with a creativity and sense of design well beyond his years. And, most importantly, he has a loving and supportive big sister that celebrates his success, despite the years of being in her brother’s autism shadow. We are fortunate.

In an effort to honor those that have helped us and to give back to our community, I have joined the board of directors at Arizona Autism United as they have played, and continue to play, a key role in Vaughn’s treatment and success. It is my goal to do whatever I can to support this organization that has done so much for my family and share what we have learned to help other families struggling with autism in our community.

I’ve said it a million times, and will say it again. If I could go back in time to the day Vaughn was diagnosed and change things, I wouldn’t. He is such a special and creative person that has positively shaped how our family sees the world. Our journey has made us who we are and we are grateful for the lessons we’ve learned and the people we’ve met along the way. This Autism Awareness Month, take the time to learn more about autism and what you might be able to do to help those in your own community.

April marks Autism Awareness Month, which focuses on increasing awareness and understanding of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). People with ASD may learn, communicate, and behave in ways that are different from others. Learn more about ASD below, and click on our tip sheets to find additional resources, including ways that you can help support others around you who may be impacted by ASD.

1. In the United States, 1 in 68 children is diagnosed with autism. Boys are 4.5 times more likely to be identified with ASD than girls.^[1]
2. Signs and symptoms of autism often start between 12 and 18 months of age. Sometimes a child will develop normally until the second year of life, then develop autism. ^[2]
3. Some people have had concerns that autism is caused by childhood vaccinations. However, extensive research over the past twenty years has shown there is no link between vaccinations, or the ingredients in vaccinations, and ASD. ^[3]
4. Children with ASD are prone to wandering or bolting from a safe, supervised place. This common behavior can cause great stress for families. ^[4]
5. People with ASD often suffer from other medical conditions which may include allergies, asthma, epilepsy, digestive disorders, obesity, persistent viral infections, sleeping disorders, and more. ^[5]
6. While many children with autism also have intellectual disabilities, almost half (about 44 percent) have average to above average intellectual ability. ^[6]
7. Although there is no cure for ASD, there are early intervention services to help children from birth to three years old learn to talk, walk, and interact socially with others. ^[7]
8. Many children with ASD are not diagnosed as early as they could be. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends autism screening for all children twice before 24 months. ^[8]
9. Children with special needs, including ASD, may be eligible for treatment services under state and federal laws including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). ^[7]
10. Autism itself does not affect life expectancy. However, studies show that the mortality risk among people with autism is double that of the general population, largely due to accidents. ^[9]

There are many resources to turn to if you are looking to learn more about Autism spectrum disorder.  Begin your search here:

Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

How to Support Parents of Children with Autism

Resources for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Sources

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Prevalence and Characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorder Among Children
2. Autism Speaks: FAQ
3. Center for Disease Control and Prevention: Vaccines Do Not Cause Autism
4. Autism Speaks: Autism Wandering
5. National Autism Association: Autism Fact Sheet
6. Center for Disease Control and Prevention: Data & Statistics
7. Center for Disease Control and Prevention: Facts About ASD
8. American Academy of Pediatrics: Autism
9. Autism Speaks: Mortality and Cause of Death in Autism Spectrum Disorders

1 in 68*. It’s not the number – it’s the impact.

Increasing prevalence and high treatment costs make providing quality care and supportive services for children with autism and their families more important than ever.  Many families struggle to obtain access to appropriate autism services.  Providing care for a child with autism can be challenging and can create significant stress impacting a caregiver’s health and even their productivity at work.

Autism Connections from Magellan Health on Vimeo.

Employers are feeling the impact. 

Balancing life’s demands is hard enough, but for parents of children living with autism, it can impact their productivity and lead to lost time at work.

To retain these valuable employees, increase productivity and decrease benefit costs for issues such as stress, depression and even physical health challenges, it’s critical that employers and health plans develop solutions to help address their needs.

Autism Connections

Our industry-leading Autism Connections program provides children and their families with the support they need to navigate the complex healthcare system, enhanced care coordination, access quality providers and receive support both for themselves and their children.

Please view the video above to learn more about this program and our specially trained, caring and supportive clinical specialists in our Autism Center of Excellence.

*The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 1 in 68 children in the United States has been identifi ed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). March, 2014.

Sources: CDC Data and Statistics on Autism, 2014; Autism Fact Sheet, National Autism Association, 2013; The Autism Society, 2013; Autism Speaks, 2013; National Business Group on Health: Therapies for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders, May 2012, p.1.