GRAPHIC: Blue and darker blue chevron background with white lettering and the intro paragraph pasted on it. Graphic by The Signal reporter Sydney Cooper. — 10 notable people on the autism spectrum. Graphic by The Signal reporter Sydney Cooper.

INFOGRAPHIC: Notable people on the autism spectrum

By Sydney Cooper Last updated Apr 18, 2019 645 0

In April 1970, the Autism Society held the first National Autism Awareness Month, “a nationwide effort to promote autism awareness, inclusion and self-determination for all, and assure each person with ASD is provided the opportunity to achieve the highest possible quality of life.”

Since then, the diagnosis rate of children with autism in the U.S. has grown from 1 in 2,000 to 1 in 59, the CDC reports, making it the fastest growing developmental disability in the world.

However, while it is sometimes categorized as a disability, many believe Autism can bring significant benefits along with its challenges, such as Nobel Prize winner and economist Vernon Smith. Read more about Smith, along with several other influential and successful individuals on the autism spectrum.

GRAPHIC: 10 notable individuals on the autism spectrum. Graphic by The Signal reporter Sydney Cooper. — A glimpse at some of the notable individuals on the autism spectrum. Graphic by The Signal reporter Sydney Cooper.

For more information of Autism Awareness:

National Autism Month shifts focus from awareness to acceptance

Autism Awareness Month has been recognized since 1970 every April, with April 2 being national Autism Day. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication.