The Autism Awareness poster, also known as the Puzzle Ribbon Mural by the flagpole entrance, seen above in detail, explains some of the characteristics that students should strive for. Below is a larger portion of the poster, showing how large and complex it is.
To highlight the growing need for concern and awareness about autism, the Autism Society has been celebrating National Autism Awareness Month since the 1970s. The United States recognizes April as a special opportunity to educate the public about autism and issues within the autism community.
The Autism Awareness Puzzle Ribbon is the most recognized symbol of the autism community in the world. Autism prevalence is now one in every 68 children in America. This is a serious disorder, but there is some progress being made.
Early detection is key, and there are some characteristics to be on the lookout for in children usually between 18 months and 6 years old. If you have a younger brother or sister, make sure the child gets a “developmental screening” in addition to the normal well baby visits to the doctor.
But you can be watching for certain things on your own. The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) lists five behaviors that warrant further evaluation:
• Does not babble or coo by 12 months
• Does not gesture (point, wave, grasp) by 12 months
• Does not say single words by 16 months
• Does not say two-word phrases on his or her own by 24 months
• Has any loss of any language or social skill at any age
Having any of these symptoms does not necessarily mean that a child has autism, but they may be cause to warrant further evaluations by professionals. The best thing to do is to be aware and spread the word that this is a growing disorder and that it can be stopped.
In order to spread awareness PHS participated in April as Autism Awareness Month. You may have seen the puzzle ribbon mural by the flagpole entrance to the school, but if you haven’t, definitely take a look. It is a beautiful thing to see how all the puzzle pieces fit together, knowing they are all made up of fellow students. All the puzzle pieces are classes of students who have signed the autism awareness pledge, which is as follows:
I pledge to be a good friend to all of my peers. I promise to always do my best to help those in need. I will be patient, kind, and understanding of those who are different. By accepting other unique qualities, I will be a better friend and person.
This pledge is not specific to just autism and is something that all of us at PHS strive to achieve, every day. PHS made April Autism Awareness Month, but the important thing is to keep the pledge for the rest of the year.
By Assata Alston
