NPSD Celebrates Autism Awareness Month

NPSD Celebrates Autism Awareness Month


What is Autism?

Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication. According to the Centers for Disease Control, autism affects an estimated 1 in 54 children in the United States today.

We know that there is not one autism but many subtypes, most influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Because autism is a spectrum disorder, each person with autism has a distinct set of strengths and challenges. The ways in which people with autism learn, think and problem-solve can range from highly skilled to severely challenged. Some people with ASD may require significant support in their daily lives, while others may need less support and, in some cases, live entirely independently.


About World Autism Awareness Day

World Autism Awareness Day is an internationally recognized day on April 2 every year, encouraging Member States of the United Nations to take measures to raise awareness about people with autistic spectrum disorders including autism and Asperger syndrome throughout the world. Did you know that CDC statistics revealed that autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is 4.3 times more prevalent in boys than it is in girls? This is because girls “often go undiagnosed because they don’t fit autism stereotypes and they mask symptoms better than boys do,” according to the Child Mind Institute. There is no better way to celebrate this day than by becoming aware of the characteristics of people with this condition and how all of us can do better to increase our own understanding and promote kindness.

 

How we are celebrating at North Penn

Friday, April 9 is North Penn's “Wear Blue for Autism Awareness” Day! April is Autism Awareness month and we invite you to show your North Penn pride tomorrow as we #LightItUpBlue for Autism! The official day nationally to #LightItUpBlue for World Autism Awareness Day took place on April 2 while we were enjoying Spring Break. So we decided this year to have our very own #NorthPennLightItUpBlue Day on Friday, April 9. To help spread understanding, awareness and acceptance of Autism, we invite students, staff and families to wear blue to school or at home during virtual learning.

Download and customize a #NPLIUB puzzle piece

We also created a printable (or fillable on your mobile device) puzzle piece for students and staff to customize and color! Download, print and decorate your very own #NPLIUB puzzle piece. No printer? No problem! Just click the link, type in your name and a fun message, and pose for a photo while holding up your device!

 

Show off your blue and puzzle piece by sharing your photos

Snap a photo rocking your blue for Autism and holding up your #NPLIUB puzzle piece! Upload photos straight from your mobile device or computer at the link below. If social media is your cup of tea, include the hashtag #NPLIUB when posting! Upload photos rocking your blue for Autism.

 

Autism Awareness Presentation Cover Image

Learn more about Autism through facts, videos and more on this fun, interactive page! Visit interactive page