Not only is April World Autism Month, but in the United States, it’s also known as National Autism Awareness Month. No matter what you call this month, the two observances share a common goal: to raise awareness about autism and to dispel some of the myths that surround this condition.

According to the World Health Organization, approximately 1 out of every 270 people in the world is on the autism spectrum, yet there are still many who do not understand the condition. Contrary to popular belief, autism is not a new condition; in fact, it was first diagnosed in the 1940s.

Many people also do not realize that autism is a neurological disorder and not a mental health disorder. Judging by the prevalence of these ideas and others that people have about this condition, we evidently still have a lot of work to do when it comes to autism awareness.

The History of National Autism Awareness Month

In 1972, National Autistic Children’s Week was created by the Autism Society to raise awareness about autism. Over the years, the popularity of this week increased as the public’s awareness of autism grew, and it eventually became known as National Autism Awareness Month, as well as World Autism Month.

Facts About Autism Spectrum Disorder

Below are some facts about Autism Spectrum Disorder that we feel everyone should know. Let’s take a quick look at them before continuing our discussion of National Autism Awareness Month.

• In 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that 1 in 44 U.S. children have been diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder.
• Boys are four times more likely to be diagnosed with autism than girls.
• Autism affects people of all socioeconomic and ethnic groups.
• Current research shows that genetics play a primary role in the development of autism.
• Parents who have a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder have a 2 to 18% chance of having a second child on the spectrum.
• On average, autism costs approximately $60,000 through childhood. Most of these costs are for special services and the lost wages of one or both parents.

Observing National Autism Awareness Month

National Autism Awareness Month can be observed by attending or hosting an autism awareness event, learning more about autism, or spreading the word about this month using the hashtag #NationalAutismAwarenessMonth.

This month can also be observed by people with autism by sharing their stories with friends, family members, and the world. Currently, there is a stigma associated with autism, but that does not have to be the case. We can all work together to ensure that people’s experiences are amplified so that we all have a better understanding of autism.