What Is Autism?

White House lit blue
The White House is lit with blue light to promote awareness of autism. Autism is a condition that affects many people around the world.

You may not realize it, but autism is pretty common. In fact, you may know someone with it. The twelfth annual World Autism Awareness Day will take place on April 2, 2019. Its purpose is to spread awareness and acceptance of people with autism.

Autism Spectrum Disorder is a lifelong condition that affects the brain. It is called a spectrum disorder because autism affects people differently. Each person with autism has their own set of strengths and challenges.

People with autism may have a hard time relating to the world and the people around them.  They may have trouble talking, learning words, or making friends.  Some people with autism can have unusual reactions to sounds, lights, or colors. They may prefer to be alone.

Many people do not understand autism. Sometimes people with autism experience discrimination. This is why we have World Autism Awareness Day. We want everyone to know what autism is so that people with autism are treated equally.

What Do You Think? What could you do to help bring awareness to autism?

Photo Credit: Official White House photo by D. Myles Cullen