April – Awareness Month

Posted April 23, 2018 by Mandy Smith in

I’m sure you have seen “Awareness Month” for one reason or another from month to month.  I know April is almost over but I thought I’d share some facts and resources about this month’s observations including Autism Awareness and Parkinson’s Awareness.

Autism RibbonAutism Awareness Month
http://www.autism-society.org/get-involved/national-autism-awareness-month/

Autism short of Autism Spectrum Disorder is a development disability

1 out of 68 children have Autism

There is no one cause for Autism

Autism is treatable and early intervention is key

Some symptoms/signs include: delay in speech, avoiding eye contact, lack of peer relationships, and more

Puzzles pieces/puzzle piece ribbon has become the symbol for Autism to represent the complexity and different colors and shapes showing the diversity of families and people

 

Parkinson's DiseaseParkinson’s Awareness Month
http://www.parkinson.org/understanding-parkinsons/what-is-parkinsons

Parkinson’s Disease is a neurodegenative disorder that affects a portion of the brain

Symptoms usually progress slowly over years

No known cause, and no cure

Treatment includes surgery and medication

Parkinson’s itself is not fatal but complications from the disorder can be serious

A person with Parkinson’s made a symbol with a red tulip and the letters P and D in 2005

 

Mandy Smith

Mandy has worked at RCIL since June of 2009. She is a Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist and provides services in 32 counties to individuals who are blind or have low vision and are 55 years and older.

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