By Alyssa Jackson ~ Assistant Editor
Photo of April’s Autism Awareness Month from https://images.app.goo.gl/NURp38jdMqX4u1Kh9.
Autism Awareness Month is recognized every April, dedicated to the challenges faced by individuals with autism and their families and advocates for those with autism.
Executive Director of the Advising and Academic Resource Center (AARC) , Meg Dillon states, “We have a wonderful support group/social group on campus called the Neurodiverse Student Alliance, which allows students to find a safe space where they can be themselves, have leadership opportunities, spread awareness, and support the local Lynchburg community.”
This month was established in April 1970 by psychologist and autism researcher Bernard Rimland, whose son, born in April, had autism.
Rimland stated in his novel “Infantile Autism: The syndrome and its implications for a neural theory of behavior” that, “They claim that autism naturally occurs at about 18 months, when the MMR is routinely given, so the association is merely coincidental and not causal. But the onset of autism at 18 months is a recent development. Autism starting at 18 months rose very sharply in the mid-1980s, when the MMR vaccine came into wide use. A coincidence? Hardly!”
The University of Lynchburg is hosting a Courageous Conversation for Neurodiversity and Disability Lecture 4 p.m – 5 p.m April 19th.
Dillon states, “I would say that students or any University of Lynchburg community member can support people who identify as neurodivergent by first and foremost being allies and advocates for them. Anyone is welcomed to attend these meetings as allies or a person that identifies as Neurodivergent. I would also recommend doing some personal research with online tools, books, going to events or speaker presentations that deal with this topic.”
Associate Professor, Lucinda Spaulding follows up with Dillon stating, “I think you summed it up perfectly, Meg!”
The University of Lynchburg has a plethora of support groups for people with autism or allies who wish to learn more about autism and spread awareness. To learn more, check out the Neurodiverse Student Alliance Group.
