What World Autism Awareness Day Means to Me
Most people have met someone with autism during their life. However, very few people actually understand what autism is. In my case, autism has been a part of my life ever since I can remember.
Two of my brothers have Asperger’s Syndrome, which is a high-functioning form of autism. Because of their differences, many people are quick to form negative judgments of my brothers without taking the time to actually understand their disorder. In school, they were often the focus of bullies. Whereas, out of school, they were many times the target of preconceived notions and long stares.
I saw my parents show up for countless meetings at my brothers’ schools, only to be disappointed by the lack of resources and support my brothers were receiving. It was clear to me that most of the world had no idea what my brothers needed and didn’t want to take the time to find out.
World Autism Awareness Day takes place on April 2 at the beginning of World Autism Month. The United Nations General Assembly established the day with the hope of bringing more awareness to autism. The day is also crucial when it comes to increasing the scope of resources available.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around 1% of the world’s population has autism spectrum disorder. As a result, that means more than 75 million people are directly affected. This compares with around 38 million people living with HIV in 2021.
As someone who has loved ones with autism, this day is so important to me. Autism affects so many people, yet there is little awareness of the disorder. People with autism see the world differently. For this reason, it is important that more people are aware of how to approach people with autism.
What Is Autism?
Autism is a disorder that affects the nervous system. Symptoms can include speech problems, difficulties understanding social cues and obsessive interests, as well as repetitive behaviors.
Autism works on a spectrum, as it affects people differently. Some have more severe symptoms, while others who are borderline only deal with fewer &/or milder symptoms.
Most people with autism also have one or more other mental health problems, including depression, anxiety and Attention Deficient Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). According to the organization Autism Speaks, more than half of children with autism also have one or more chronic sleep problems.
Treating Autism itself can be costly. This includes added costs for medicine and related healthcare, therapy and in-home aide other needed services. This is why it is essential that there is funding available to support individuals with autism and their families. It is also important that additional funding is available so that schools and communities can provide proper training on how to help kids with autism.
In honor of World Autism Awareness Day, GrantWatch is sharing some of the grants currently available for autism research, as well as for assistance to individuals with autism and their families.
Grants for Autism Research and Individuals with Autism
- Grants of up to $5,000 are available to individuals with autism and their families for urgent treatment needs.
- There are also grants of up to $40,000 available to researchers affiliated with qualified institutions for studies related to autism treatment and intervention.
- Funding is available to investigators affiliated with qualified institutions for research on autism spectrum disorders. The funds are for original, clinically-relevant research projects to advance the treatment, diagnosis and understanding of ASD.
- Similar grants are also available to investigators affiliated with qualified institutions for autism research involving humans and animals.
- Grants of $1,000 to New York nonprofits for programs and initiatives to improve the lives of children and youth with autism.
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