Autism Month and Medical IDs

April is Autism Awareness Month

Autism Speaks is an autism advocacy organization in the United States that sponsors autism research and conducts awareness and outreach activities aimed at families, governments, and the public. It was founded in February 2005 by Bob Wright, vice chairman of General Electric, and by his wife Suzanne, a year after their grandson Christian was diagnosed with autism.

Autism Speaks has been a critical source of funding directed towards the causes and treatment of autism spectrum disorders; it also conducts awareness and outreach activities aimed at families, governments, and the public. Their goal is to accelerate and fund biomedical research into the causes, prevention, treatments and cure for autism spectrum disorders; to increase awareness of the disorder; and to improve the quality of life of affected individuals and their families

Adults and children with autism may have difficulty communicating or relating to others if lost or in an emergency situation. Wearing a medical ID engraved with “autism” can help others understand better and allow them to provide safer, more accurate emergency treatment if necessary. Autism identification jewelry can also help reunite a person with autism and his/her caretaker.

You can get involved with Autism Speaks by participating in a walk or event in your area, advocating for legal rights in your state, or making a gift to the organization.