A beautiful day to take a stroll for a cause. Friends and families gathered at Van Cortland Park in the Bronx to raise monies for Autism research. Autism is a complex disorder of brain development. The disorder is characterized, in varying degrees, by difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviors.
Team Blake! Team Jose! Team Liam! Smiles and cheers as they crossed the finish line. Studies show that autism is four to five times more common among boys than girls. An estimated 1 out of 42 boys and 1 in 189 girls are diagnosed with autism in the United States. The most obvious signs of autism and symptoms of autism tend to emerge between 2 and 3 years of age.
At times it is associated with intellectual disability, difficulties in motor coordination and attention and physical health issues such as sleep and gastrointestinal disturbances. Some persons with Autism excel in visual skills, music, math and art.
Increasing autism awareness is a key aspect of this work and one in which our families and volunteers play an invaluable role.
To learn more go to https://www.autismspeaks.org and http://www.cbsnews.com/media/10-early-warning-signs-of-autism/
Here are a couple of friendly reads they make good gifts for children interested in learning more about autism:
1. I See Things Differently: A First Look at Autism by Pat Thomas
2. My Friend Has Autism by Amanda Tourville
3. My Brother is Autistic by Jennifer Moore-Mallinos
4. Since We’re Friends: An Autism Picture Book by Celeste Shally
AJ Woodson
AJ Woodson is the Editor-In-Chief of Black Westchester and Co-Owner of Urban Soul Media Group, the parent company, Host & Producer of the People Before Politics Radio Show. AJ is a Father, Brother, An Author, Journalism Fellow (Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism), Hip-Hop Artist - one third of the legendary underground rap group JVC FORCE known for the single Strong Island, Radio Personality, Hip-Hop Historian, Documentarian, Activist, Criminal Justice Advocate and Freelance Journalist whose byline has appeared in several print publications and online sites including The Source, Vibe, the Village Voice, Upscale, Sonicnet.com, Launch.com, Rolling Out Newspaper, Daily Challenge Newspaper, Spiritual Minded Magazine, Word Up! Magazine, On The Go Magazine and several others.
