MACON, Ga. — April is Autism Acceptance Month, and Tuesday, April 2 marks the 17th Annual World Autism Awareness Day.
The month aims to spread awareness and support those on the autism spectrum.
Here in Central Georgia, resources and services for people with autism have been growing. However, some families say some work still needs to be done.
Shelley Price is the president of the non-profit organization Central Georgia Autism.
"World Autism Day is always a wonderful day to promote awareness, acceptance, and action for those on the spectrum," Price said. "We are celebrating all the individuals who are neurodiverse in our community because every individual on the spectrum is very different."
Anyone can be diagnosed with autism, regardless of gender, age or race. Those with autism may experience challenges with their social skills, communication, hobbies and interests.
Price has a son who has been diagnosed with autism and says it has been a journey but getting help has made it a smoother ride.
"We try to develop this community in a safe space for the individual who is on the spectrum, kid and adult, so they can come and just be loved and celebrated just the way they are, but also resources for parents so they can kind of gather and discuss what's working and what's not working," Price said.
For parent Tracy Martin, she says it has been a bit of a journey with her son Julius.
"They're their own unique individual selves and we love them as is," Martin said.
Julius is 19 years old and in Howard High School's extended-year program.
He was diagnosed with mild cerebral palsy and autism at the age of six.
When it comes to resources, Martin said it was hard getting the initial diagnosis. But once the results came in, it made it more concrete to get the help Julius needed.
"He's currently in speech therapy in school and we're looking into some additional therapies outside of school just because now he has the resources to do so," Martin said. "When I had him, I was working at a special needs daycare in Atlanta, Georgia so just noticing things I have already seen in other people made me take that next step."
Martin says it is a lifelong commitment, but those with autism and on the spectrum need to know they're supported all the way through.
"They need to celebrated as well for their accomplishments," Martin said. "Just because they don't learn like we do, they learn in their own unique way. Each one is unique and has their own individuality to themselves."
On Tuesday evening at Mercer University, Central Georgia Autism lit the bridge blue to honor World Autism Day.
According to Autism Speaks, some of the signs of autism at any age include delayed language development, avoidance of eye contact, persistent preference of solitude, resistance to minor changes in routine and unusual or intense reactions to sounds or smells.
Right now, 1 in 36 children live with autism in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Also, 1 in 45 adults have autism.
Boys are four times as likely to be diagnosed with the condition than girls, and 1 in 100 girls are living with autism.