Numbers are up, and about 1 in every 50 children is diagnosed with autism. National Autism Awareness Month (NAAM) has been celebrated in April since the 1970s. The month of April is used to promote education, concern and awareness of autism. National Autism Awareness Month is celebrated by local events and activities through affiliates of the autism society. If you are unable to attend the local events, online events and activities are also held during the month. In addition, there are presidential and congressional declarations that are held throughout the month of April promoting the awareness of autism. There are many ways in which you can do your part and show your awareness of autism. One simple way you show your awareness is by posting the National Autism Awareness Month logo badge on your blog, Facebook profile, Twitter page, LinkedIn profile or any other social media platform. There are even ways to customize the NAAM logo in a way that can promote your own business as well. Found on the Autism Society webpage is a downloadable tool kit filled with visual and content resources that can help you celebrate National Autism Awareness Month. Also found through the Autism Society website is the e-newsletter, Autism Matters. Sign up to receive updates and share your ideas on how to improve the autism community. Show your support for people living with autism by wearing your Autism Awareness Puzzle Ribbon, if not only for the month of April, but year-round. Wearing the Puzzle Ribbon or posting a badge on your blog, Facebook profile or car, can help educate those around you who are not aware of the autism community. You can also contact your representatives at both the state and federal levels to encourage them to €œVote 4 Autism€ and make a difference. This April, do your part to make yourself and your community aware and educated about autism and show your support for National Autism Awareness Month. Contact Steve Weeks & Associates Insurance Services, located in Thousand Oaks, for all of your insurance needs.