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Help Spread Autism Awareness This April

April 5, 2019

April is National Autism Awareness month, and if you’re a family caregiver or personal care assistant (PCA), you’ll want to help spread the word in your community. But before you can educate others or care for a loved one living autism, you first need to have a solid understanding on what ASD (autism spectrum disorder) is, so you can provide the best homecare services possible.

What is Autism?

According to Autism Speaks, “Autism… refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication.” Autism Speaks further states that there are many subtypes of ASD, meaning autism isn’t a single condition but a series of behaviors or cognitive challenges that affect each person differently. This also means an individual may (or may not) require additional support from a family caregiver or PCA to live independently. One thing is for sure; however, early intervention is essential to helping children with autism develop their social, emotional, and cognitive skills (Autism Speaks).

In a previous blog post, we listed some ways at-home care can benefit children living with autism in terms of sensory experiences and socialization development. in honor of this month, we wanted to share more information and resources to help you become more familiar with the autism community and help others around you learn more in the process.

How to Help Spread Autism Awareness

In honor of Autism Awareness month, here are some ways you can help spread awareness and get involved in your local community.

1. Check out The Autism Source: The Autism Source is a research database that offers a comprehensive list of resources, including information about autism, lifestyle information for people living with autism, research and news, and how you and family members can get involved to help support those in your community.
2. Connect with the Autism Society: The Autism Society sends a free monthly newsletter with updates on resources, conferences, news, and research. This is a great way to stay connected all year round!
3. Attend a Conference or Event: The Autism Society sponsors the National Conference on Autism Spectrum Disorders. As a home health aide or family caregiver, attending an event like this is a great way to meet with other homecare professionals or PCAs who are providing care for a loved one or client with ASD. It’s also a great way to expand your understanding of the condition and how you can enhance your homecare services.
4. Test Your Knowledge: Many online courses and videos can provide plenty of information to help educate you and other family members on ASD. In fact, the Autism Society offers a free 30-minute course. Once you’ve successfully completed the course, you can even print a certificate of completion and share it on social media.
5. Check Out Social Media: There are plenty of ways to connect with others, who are either living with autism or providing home care for someone with ASD. Social platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and even Twitter provide a place to find information, ask questions, and share stories.

For more on providing home care for autistic adults and autistic children, visit our blog page each week for more information and tips all throughout the month of April.

A red-headed little girl writes on paper
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