National Autism Awareness Month
The core symptoms of autism are:
social communication challenges and
restricted, repetitive behaviors.
Symptoms of autism may:
- begin in early childhood (though they may go unrecognized)
- persist and
- interfere with daily living.
National Child Abuse Awareness Month
Throughout the United States, a report of child abuse is made every ten seconds. Child abuse occurs at every socioeconomic level, across ethnic and cultural lines, within all religions and at all levels of education.
Many times, physical abuse is a result of excessive discipline or physical punishment that is inappropriate for the child’s age, often when a parent loses control. Child abuse and neglect is 100 percent preventable; we all share in the responsibility to help keep kids safe.
Here are five steps you can take:
- If you work with children in any capacity, obtain Mandated Child Abuse Reporting training to learn about the risk factors and warning signs of child abuse (check with the Child Abuse Prevention Council in your area for training opportunities).
- Report child abuse and neglect when you become aware of it or suspect it.
- Get involved! Volunteer your time at community agencies that promote positive supportive services for families (libraries, community resource centers, nonprofit agencies that work with families and children).
- Conduct outreach activities in the community to raise awareness about support agencies for families.
- Ensure families are equipped with the resources, support and tools necessary to be successful parents and caregivers within their community.
Stress Awareness Month
Stress Awareness Month is an annual designation observed in April. Have you ever been in a situation that was a little (or a lot) overwhelming, you had deadlines approaching and a mile-long to-do list, and you were just in way over your head?! Well, you’re definitely not alone. Everyone feels stressed from time to time, especially as we get older and the responsibilities really pile onto our plate. The thing about stress is, a little bit of it isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but too much of it can be detrimental to our emotional and physical health. Learning to find a healthy balance is the best way to live a productive, happy life.
A small amount of stress once in a while is a good thing because it means you’re working hard and you care about what you’re doing. If you were never stressed, that would probably mean you’re living a lethargic lifestyle without a whole lot of work involved. However, too much stress doesn’t allow us to think straight, and is overbearing and counterproductive. Prolonged stress leads to real physical problems and can cause strokes, IBS, ulcers, diabetes, muscle and joint pain, miscarriages, etc.
Here are some great ways to keep your mind clear and de-stress if you find yourself getting too overwhelmed.
- Exercise. You’ve probably heard this one before, and even though it’s probably not exactly what you want to do when you’re feeling stressed (because laying on the couch and watching movies sounds more appealing), exercising gets endorphins pumping through your brain, which triggers a happy feeling. Exercise lowers your body’s stress hormones like cortisol, and releases chemicals that make you feel more at peace.
- Think about taking natural supplements to help you feel more at ease. Natural remedies like lemon balm, omega-3 fatty acids, green tea, and essential oils are very helpful.
- Light a candle or turn on the oil diffusers, put on some soft, soothing music and dim the lights. Take a deep breath and count your blessings.
- Caffeine intake reduction can help (even though it’s tough to kick the coffee!) because caffeine tends to make us jittery, which can cause stress and anxiety.
- Spend time laughing with friends and family. Let yourself have a good time and get your mind off the busyness of the real world.
Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month
Sexual harassment, assault, and abuse can happen anywhere, including in online spaces. For too long harassment, cyberbullying, and sexual abuse and exploitation have come to be expected as typical and unavoidable behaviors online. Building Safe Online Spaces Together is possible when we practice digital consent, intervene when we see harmful content and behaviors, and promote online communities that value respect, inclusion, and safety.
The American Counseling Association (ACA) designates April of each year as
Counseling Awareness Month (CAM), a time of advocacy for the profession and celebration
of the outstanding efforts of counselors in myriad settings as they
seek to facilitate the growth and development of all people.
National Infertility Awareness Week®, (NIAW) is a movement, founded in 1989 by RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association. Its mission is to empower you and change the conversation around infertility. All too often myths and misinformation appear in media stories or influence lawmakers and companies to enforce policies that create barriers for people who need help building their family.
The color orange promotes a sense of wellness, emotional energy to be shared: compassion, passion, and warmth. Helps to recover from disappointments, a wounded heart, or a blow to one’s pride. Studies show that orange can create a heightened sense of activity, increased socialization, boost in aspiration, contentment, assurance, confidence and understanding.
Founded in 2001, National Youth Violence Prevention Week (NYVPW) is a time for youth to lead communities on effective strategies to prevent youth violence. The campaign is a week-long event with each day of the week corresponding to a specific challenge for communities. Join with others around the country to unite and lift up youth who work to make their schools and neighborhoods safer.
World Health Day is on the 7th of April each year. This day marks the anniversary of the World Health Organization which was founded in 1948.
The World Health Organization (WHO) is the leading global health authority within the United Nations System.
Day of Silence (Apr. 22)
The GLSEN Day of Silence is a national student-led demonstration where LGBTQ students and allies all around the country—and the world—take a vow of silence to protest the harmful effects of harassment and discrimination of LGBTQ people in schools.
Started in the mid 90’s by two college students, the Day of Silence has expanded to reach hundreds of thousands of students each year. Every April, students go through the school day without speaking, ending the day with Breaking the Silence rallies and events to share their experiences during the protest and bring attention to ways their schools and communities can become more inclusive.
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