“ASD is a ‘hidden disability’ but we are now discovering just how many people it affects. Improving public understanding of Autism is a top priority so we may better serve this population.”
– Jeanne Beard
A Growing Statistic.
Autism rates are increasing among U.S. children. Earlier this year, the CDC reported that Autism (ASD) is an urgent public health concern as cases of Autism have risen 150% over the last 2 decades and will likely continue in this trajectory.
According to Jeanne Beard, founder of the National Autism Academy, it is becoming increasingly important for the general public to know about the condition in order to acclimate to this growing statistic.
“ASD is a ‘hidden disability’ but we are now discovering just how many people it affects. Improving public understanding of Autism is a top priority so we may better serve this population.” says Beard.
Through her work, Beard has encountered many situations where individuals with mild Autism were misclassified and therefore received treatment that was inappropriate. Autism is a developmental disability that can cause significant social, communication, and behavioral challenges. Because there is such a wide range of symptoms, it can be difficult to identify.
Bringing Autism awareness to the public will not only help people identify ASD earlier in life so they may receive proper treatment, but it also promotes acceptance and inclusion among everyone.
“Too often I hear stories of individuals and families living with Autism who have experienced misunderstandings or faced judgmental attitudes based on misinformed stereotypes. It’s important for people to know the facts…”
…says Beard, who understands first hand, the challenges of parenting a child with Autism. As the mother of two sons with special needs (one diagnosed with Asperger’s, one with ADHD,) her expertise in Autism grew out of necessity. She was determined to help her son find strategies for success despite the limited parenting resources available.
Beard created the National Autism Academy to support other parents and equip them with the information and tools for success that were not provided to her. Today the National Autism Academy is a nationally-recognized parent and professional training organization that supports thousands of people who live, love, and work with those on the Autism Spectrum.
“Too often I hear stories of individuals and families living with Autism who have experienced misunderstandings or faced judgmental attitudes based on misinformed stereotypes. It’s important for people to know the facts.”
– Jeanne Beard
In An Interview/Article, Jeanne Can Share:
- What the public needs to know about the growing cases of Autism
- Warning signs of ASD
- What to do if you think your child may be on the spectrum
- Facts every parent needs to know about Autism in the classroom
- Communication techniques for people with Autism
- Autism in the workplace
With Autism on the rise, Beard is on a mission to educate others about ASD. She is sharing advice and information for families and caregivers who encounter others on the Autism Spectrum.
ABOUT THE AUTISM THOUGHT LEADER
Jeanne Beard
Jeanne Beard, founder of the National Autism Academy and author of Autism & The Rest Of Us, has decades of experience in the trenches with Asperger’s Syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorders, and the people diagnosed with them. In addition to her essential life experience creating functional, nurturing, and balanced relationships with those on the spectrum, Jeanne was mentored by clinical expert Timothy Wahlberg, Ph.D. during the writing of his clinical guide Finding the Gray: Understanding and Thriving in the Black and White World of Autism and Asperger’s. Through her incredible insight into the thoughts, experiences, and challenges of those on the spectrum and of the rest of us, Jeanne builds a bridge to hope and a better future for us all.