Being a teacher I've dealt with many of these quirky cuties, but it wasn't until I began working as an ABA therapist this past January that I really saw what it was like for those kids and their families living with Autism.
I can't even describe how difficult it must be for the parents of these little guys. I mean that literally. That's why I'm posting this video to give you an idea:
As a general member of society there are only so many ways to help. One way would be to donate or sponsor someone participating in a fundraiser for Autism. There is no cure yet, but we can help supply the means for the research. This can be done at http://www.autism-society.org/
We can advocate for them and educate ourselves. By being compassionate and non-judgemental we can help people with Autism as well as their family members to feel accepted. The last thing anyone needs is to feel more isolated. To do this you can check out this site http://www.autism-society.org/get-involved/ which offers a 30-minute online course on Autism Spectrum Disorder.
If you do know of someone, or a family with a member with Autism, I found this great article on Huffington Post's Living website that gives suggestions of how to help: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/elaine-hall/living-with-autism-7-easy_b_681033.html
Finally, as there is no real way to prevent Autism, you may take into consideration these things that have been linked to Autism in children:
Older age of parents http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/09/health/09autism.html
BP-A, the chemical found in all canned goods, plastics, ya know, just about everything. It's pretty terrible for us, and awful for fetuses. http://www.happyhealthylonglife.com/happy_healthy_long_life/2008/05/add-autism-hype.html you can also listen to Diane Rehm's talk on it http://thedianerehmshow.org/shows/2008-04-29
TV before the age of 3: I know you've heard me harp on this before, but it really stresses me out to see children in front of a television. Here's a good article on why: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/10/19/health/webmd/main2108841.shtml
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