LAS VEGAS - Several valley organizations will show their support for people with autism. Wednesday, April 2 marks Autism Awareness Day.
National numbers show one in 68 kids have autism. That represents an increase of 30 percent from 2012, when one in 88 kids possessed the disease.
The statistics may not mean a larger number of people have autism. Doctors can better recognize the symptoms of autism then they did five years ago, leading to increased diagnoses.
Families for Effective Autism Treatment (FEAT) says it fields calls from many parents of recently diagnosed kids. FEAT says 6,000 students in Clark County had autism last year.
While many parents and kids may struggle with the diagnosis at first, FEAT and several other non-profits say they possess the resources to help autistic children lead functional lives.
Approximately 40 percent of autistic people have average to above average intellectual abilities. Individual education plans are keys to kids' success.
"For example, learning to tie a shoe - we break that down in simple steps and make sure they master each step before you move on to something more difficult. Our kids can learn anything. They just need to be taught in a different way," said FEAT of Southern Nevada Executive Director Jennifer Strobel.
Early intervention can also be crucial. A medical test to diagnose autism currently does not exist, but specially trained physicians can evaluate specific behaviors of autistic children.
Signs include: constant crying for no reason, tantrums and/or poor social skills. If you notice any of these symptoms, call your pediatrician.
The Clark County School District also offers special education programs for children with mental disabilities such as autism.
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Valley organizations honor Autism Awareness Day