April is Autism Awareness month and Columbus High School’s Circle of Friends group wants to share some statistics as well as how to communicate with people who have autism.

According to www.autismspeaks.org, one in every 59 children has Autism in the United States. Autism can be diagnosed as early as two years old, however, most get diagnosed at the age of four. Out of all the children in the United States that have autism, 31% have an intellectual disability, 41% are in borderline range on the IQ scale, and 44% are above the normality IQ range.

Children with autism can experience a lot of stress because they see the world differently. Environmental situations can become very stressful for these children. If they get to overwhelmed this can lead to a panic attack, anger, or sadness. This is why people with autism tend to look at one thing at a time because looking at many things at once can become overwhelming to them. Here is a video from the National Autistic Society to show just what it is like to have autism:  https://youtu.be/Lr4_dOorquQ

You may find it harder to talk to someone who has autism. Here are some simple steps they may help make it easier:

1. 1. Always remember to be patient. People who have autism cannot process information as fast as other can. Simply slowing your speech down can help a lot.

2. 2. Always to positive. People with autism respond better to positivity,

3. 3. Use eye contact. This will help convey that you are interested in what the person with autism is saying.

People with autism are like everybody else, they just see the world differently. There are people all over the world that have autism and it is our job to show a loving, caring heart to them just like we do to everyone else.

“Interacting with a Child Who Has Autism Spectrum Disorder -  Health Encyclopedia - University of Rochester Medical Center.” Rochester.Edu, 2019,