April is Autism Awareness Month

Autism is a pervasive developmental disorder that manifests itself and affects the social, learning, and behavioral skills of those affected by it. Autism is currently estimated to affect 1 in 36 children nationally, with rates being highest in New Jersey, where the diagnosis rate for a child with autism spectrum disorder has increased to 1 in 35.

Autism is said to affect boys four times more than girls and knows no racial, ethnic, or social boundaries, and neither income, lifestyle, nor education affects the occurrence.

Those with autism need equal access to education, employment opportunities, community-based housing, family services, coaching and support, and medical treatment.

New Jersey offers this population a wide range of services and support through various autism organizations.