#ygkChallenge: Support Autism Awareness

The #ygkChallenge is an ongoing series where we dare you to be different, resolve to be better, and or do something awesome in support of our beloved community. Each week, Kingstonist establishes a new, ambitious or quirky goal, encouraging you to step out of your comfort zone and do something great, and hopefully a little out of the ordinary. By taking part in this community-wide initiative, we hope to make Kingston (and the world) a slightly better place to live, work and play.

This week’s #ygkChallenge encourages you to:

Support Autism Awareness. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), commonly referred to as Autism, is a complex developmental brain disorder that is caused by genetic and environmental influences. Austism presents itself via communication difficulties, social and behavioural challenges, and repetitive behaviours, which last throughout an individual’s life. With an estimated 1 in 70 individuals diagnosed on the autism spectrum, this week’s challenge is to support autism awareness by increasing your understanding.  Of course, I hope you’ll go one step further and consider making a donation towards to the Autism Society Canada who advocates for universal access to treatments, services and supports. With October serving as autism awareness and acceptance month in Canada, your contribution can help individuals living with autism and their families find the information and support they need to reach optimal outcomes on their autism journeys.

Join us in completing this week’s #ygkchallenge by liking it on Facebook and/or re-Tweeting it on Twitter. By liking and sharing, you’re not only committing to doing something great, but you’re also helping us spread the word and hopefully encouraging others to participate.

Thanks to National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) for today’s photo.