One in 68 children is now diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder, according to statistics released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) last week.
Autism is also the fastest-growing developmental disability in the U.S., according to Autism Speaks, a global autism advocacy group; yet, there are many who are still unclear of what autism is.
On this World Autism Awareness Day, a Fresno family is creating awareness of the disorder in the Central Valley.
Six-year-old Gabriel Ramirez was diagnosed with autism at age three.
Autism spectrum disorder is a group of complex disorders of brain development that affect speech and behavior.
"Children with autism are often seen in one light--that they fit in this one box, do things this one way, and that's autism for you," says Stephanie Ramirez.
She founded the Fresno Autism Network in 2010 to offer support and resources for families like hers.
"Everything that we do as parents of children with autism--it's trial and error," Ramirez says.
Although the severity of symptoms is different in every case, children with autism may have delays in speech, social skills, and exhibit repetitive or maladaptive behaviors, such as tantrums.
"Parents will often say that they get looks from strangers that, 'Oh that parent can't control their child,' or, 'That child is spoiled,' or something like that," says Ashley Langeliers, regional clinical manager at the Center for Autism and Related Disorders.
Ramirez says she used to feel defensive, but she's since changed her approach. Often, she'll hand curious people educational pamphlets on autism.
"I see some people kind of look, but I've learned to deal with that in a more healthy way."
The mother of three is also already educating her 4-year old son.
Creating awareness among the masses, she says, is just one way of dealing with the daily challenges of autism.
The whole month of April is dedicated to autism awareness.
The Fresno Autism Network website can be found at http://fresnoautismnet.wix.com/fan.