KTAR Interview about Autism Awareness

April is Autism Awareness Month, and it is also a topic that is near and dear to my heart. My oldest son is affected and as a result, I was asked to do an interview with KTAR for Autism Awareness Month.

Here is the clip from the interview. Thank you all for listening to our story.

At Get Your Move On, we support the autism cause Autism Speaks, which hosts an annual fundraising walk. Every year we help set up all tables and chairs, haul trash and recycling, and have a Get Your Move On team participate in the walk.

What is Autism?

Autism and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are general terms used to describe a group of complex developmental disorders of the brain. Difficulties in social interaction, nonverbal and verbal communication and repetitive behaviors are all characteristics found in people on the autism spectrum. People with autism often excel in music, math, art and visual skills.

Facts about Autism

Autism is more prevalent than you think. 1 in 54 males and 1 in 88 children are now affected. Autism prevalence figures are growing more than ever before. Autism is by far the fastest growing developmental disability in the United States and the world. Sadly, autism receives less than five percent of the funding for research than many childhood diseases that are less prevalent.

In addition, boys are nearly five times as likely as girls to have autism. A family can expect to pay about $60,000 per year for autism related care, not to mention the hours spent taking affected children to appointments, doctor visits, speech and other therapies and more.

What Can People Do to Help?

You can participate in the annual walk here in Phoenix, held at Tempe Town Lake. You can donate, you can become an advocate. There are a lot of things you can do, but the most important thing is to have understanding and compassion for those around you.