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FRAMINGHAM – Today, April 2, is World Autism Day.
2022 marks the 15th anniversary for World Autism Awareness Day.
On December 18th 2007, the United Nations General Assembly adopted resolution 62/139, declaring that April 2nd of each year will mark World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD), noting the prevalence and high rate of Autism in Children in all regions of the world and the consequential developmental challenges.
“Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication. According to the Centers for Disease Control, autism affects an estimated 1 in 44 children in the United States today,” according to the organization Autism Speaks.
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April is also Autism Awareness Month.
Approximately one in 100 children has autism, which constitutes a diverse group of conditions related to development of the brain, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
Although characteristics may be detected in early childhood, autism is often not diagnosed until much later. The abilities and needs of autistic people vary and can evolve over time, WHO said. While some can live independently, others have severe disabilities and require life-long care and support.
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MetroWest Medical Center