Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is actually a general term for a group of disorders that are characterized by difficulties with verbal and nonverbal communication, social interaction, and repetitive behaviors. It has been linked to very early brain development even though symptoms are usually diagnosable around the age of 2 or 3 years old. Although autism manifests itself in intellectual, motor, and physical health disabilities, an autistic individual may also excel in visual skills, music, math, and art. Autism may develop in a variety of ways. There are some genetic mutations that are strong enough to cause autism development on their own. There is also the possibility that a genetic predisposition is paired with an environmental stressor. The common stressors are advanced parental age at conception (both mom and dad), maternal illness during pregnancy, or problems causing oxygen deprivation during labor. In the United States alone, 1 in 88 children are diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. Divided by gender it is 1 in 55 boys and 1 in 252 girls. Autism Speaks works to support all individuals with an autism spectrum disorder, whether that means providing better services and treatments or increasing acceptance, respect, and support in the greater community. Even though you've missed the Light it Up Blue campaign (thanks to my slow-poke-ness), you can still join Autism Speaks and all of us promoting Autism Awareness Month, go to Autism Speaks' website or its facebook page or here for more ideas on how to support all those with autism.
600 million animals around the world are strays, starving, cold, sick, and abused, living miserable lives. 10 billion animals are raised for food in the United States each year. 5-7 million animals enter shelters nationwide annually and 3-4 million of them are euthanized (that's 60% of the dogs and 70% percent of the cats). If I've learned anything from working at the Humane Society these past few weeks, it's that these animals deserve better. Yeah, sure, each of the animals I've worked with so far has had his or her unique little quirks, but if we dumped all of the kids (and adults) on the street or in shelters that had a quirk or two, how high would the stray human population be? So here's to an orange facebook, the ASPCA, the Humane Society of the United States, and all the individuals who have spent hours and hours and hours saving, walking, and loving the animals of this world. What can you do? Well, turn your facebook orange, support the ASPCA or HSUS or a local shelter. You could go vegan or at least speak with your dollars by buying your food locally and from ethical producers. As cliché as it sounds, the options are endless, so start changing the world!
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