FROM THE PUBLISHER'S DESK LEONARD J. HARAC, PHD
Awareness and Acceptance
We retain Autism Awareness as this month's theme, keeping in mind the families who are newly becoming aware of what their lives with an autistic family member will be like.
As we all know, April is Autism Awareness Month. Every year, individuals and organizations across the globe celebrate Autism Awareness Month with events to educate local communities and raise public awareness about autism. Over 50 years have passed since the Autism Society held the first National Autism Awareness month in April of 1970. Since then, autism has become the fastest growing developmental disability in the world, with the diagnosis rate of children with autism increasing from one in every 2000 children in the 1970s and 1980s to one in every 68 children today.
EP’s Annual Autism Awareness Issue approaches this topic from several angles. In his article “Teaching with No Labels: An Agile Approach to Autism,” Dr. Gerard Costa reminds us that “in the disability rights movement, a social and political voice exists that demands respect, inclusion, and full participation.” In “A Teacher’s Viewpoint: Things You Should Know about Autism,” Educator Jenn Adams argues that teachers and administrators must adjust to a student’s way of learning, rather than the other way around. EP’s Editor In Chief Faye Simon introduces us to Alexandra Adlawan, a talented writer and artist on the spectrum whose creativity and communication skills are reaching a wide audience and advocating for a greater sense of acceptance for the community. “When it comes to autistic people and our passions,” Alexandra says, “we are dedicated, determined and hard working.”
We also revisit the recurring debate between people who believe the theme of this month should be transitioned from Autism Awareness to Autism Acceptance. some feel strongly that,
in order to be the most effective allies to autistic people, we must accept them exactly as they are, and beyond that, to celebrate them and their neurotype. As part of this shift, the Autism Society of America is leading a significant effort for the federal government to officially designate April as Autism Acceptance Month.
While EP agrees with this initiative, the content of this month’s issue is geared toward early intervention and diagnosis, particularly in the educational setting, and therefore we will retain Autism Awareness as this month’s theme, keeping in mind the families who are newly becoming aware of what their lives with an autistic family member will be like.
"Since 1970s, the diagnosis rate of autism has increased from one in every 2000 children to one in every 68 children today."
EP's audience continues to grow, and we are happy to offer several effective marketing packages to thouse who would like to reach our motivated audience. Contact our Editor In Chief, Faye Simon, at epmagazinevp@gmail.com •
Leonard J. Harac, PhD
Publisher
FROM THE PUBLISHER'S DESK
Leonard J. Harac, PhD, is the publisher of EP Magazine and President of Harac Consulting. He has a wide range of experience architecting business strategy over an array of industries. Dr. Harac is an experienced publisher, the author of numerous articles, the co-author of a published novel, a high school and university lecturer, and a student mentor. Dr. Harac brings 40+ years of business experience to the running of EP Magazine.
Information and Support for the Special Needs Community
VOLUME 52 ISSUE 4 ESTABLISHED 1971
Publisher
Len Harac
lharac@epmagazine.com
Editior In Chief
Faye Simon
Art Direction & Design
Leverett Cooper
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