Phi Mu Announces Partnership with Autism Sociey of America
An estimated 30 million people in the world have an autism spectrum disorder, 1.5 million in America alone. Every day in this country, 60 families learn their child has autism. These families face challenges of care, support, education, financial hardship and medical and health care issues that make autism a national public health issue, costing the U.S. economy $90 billion a year. Though there is no cure, autism is treatable and individuals with autism have
tremendous potential.
“Currently one in 150 children is being diagnosed on the autism spectrum,” says Andie Burchett Kash, ΔΗ, Phi Mu Vice President Extension and Communications. “I am amazed at how many of my Phi Mu sisters are affected by autism as parents, grandparents, siblings, and caregivers to these children.”
With assistance from ASA, Phi Mu will provide collegiate and alumnae chapters with information on how they can promote autism awareness in their communities, how to find local resources, and events they can participate in to support ASA.
Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental disability that typically appears during the first two years of life and affects a person’s ability to communicate and interact with others. Autism is defined by a certain set of behaviors and is a “spectrum disorder” that affects individuals
differently and to varying degrees. There is no known single cause for autism, but increased awareness and funding can help families today. For more information, visit
www.autism-society.org.
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