Let's Talk about Autism

In anticipation of Autism Awareness Month in April, the Zeta Amicae of Richmond sponsored an Autism Awareness roundtable this February, featuring clinical mental health counselor, Lillie Mae Jones, Autria Braz with Dominion Youth Services, and parent advocate Quessie Haroin.

"The reality is that we have to remember that autism is a medical condition, is of no fault of the family, and the child is like a jigsaw puzzle with no foundation. If we don't support them adequately, we'll pick them up and they'll fall apart," Lillie Mae Jones.

Here are five fast facts about autism:

- ASD stands for Autism Spectrum Disorder

- Approximately 1 in 59 children overall are diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder, with 1 in 37 boys and 1 in 151 girls.

- ASD is a spectrum disorder. This means every child with ASD has different skills, challenges, and needs.

- ASD begins in childhood and tends to persist into adolescence and adulthood.

- There is no "cure" for ASD, but there are several interventions that can help children learn important skills that improve everyday life.

Think you or someone you know may have autism? For more information, visit https://www.autismspeaks.org/.