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Bizzell US Invited to Participate in Nelson Mandela International Day

Bizzell US Invited to Participate in Nelson Mandela International Day Commemoration Activities in Tanzania

New Carrollton, Maryland– July 17, 2024 – Bizzell US (Bizzell) is honored to announce its invitation by the United Nations in Tanzania and the South African High Commission to participate in Nelson Mandela International Day commemoration activities. The event will take place on July 18, 2024, at Victorious Centre, 27 Ndovu Street, Mikocheni Area.

Nelson Mandela International Day, observed annually on July 18, celebrates Nelson Mandela’s extraordinary legacy of promoting peace, freedom, and humanitarianism worldwide. The day inspires individuals and organizations to participate in community service, commemorating Mandela’s 67 years of public service. The focus of this year’s observations is centered on autism awareness. As part of this commemoration, Bizzell will join other distinguished organizations and individuals by dedicating 67 minutes to community service, honoring Mandela’s call to create positive change. Activities will include painting walls and assisting with kitchen chores at the Victorious Center of Excellence, which supports children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Discussions will center on raising awareness about autism, particularly in the Bagamoyo area.

“We are deeply honored to participate in Nelson Mandela International Day,” said Dr. Anton C. Bizzell, President and Chief Executive Officer of Bizzell. “This invitation recognizes our ongoing efforts to create a more just and compassionate world. We look forward to collaborating with the UN in Tanzania and the South African High Commission to celebrate Mandela’s legacy and contribute to meaningful community service.”

Bizzell is dedicated to advancing the understanding, treatment, and support of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) through a multi-faceted approach that includes rigorous research, innovative program management, and strategic partnerships. Through the company’s history of supporting the National Institutes of Health (NIH) National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) Office of Autism Research Coordination (OARC), we remain steadfast in our collaboration and support in shaping and supporting global initiatives focused on autism. The invitation reflects its international presence and commitment to the values of peace, freedom, and humanitarianism. Bizzell’s dedication to promoting sustainable development and fostering equitable opportunities for all is recognized as a testament to Mandela’s enduring influence.

For more information about Bizzell US and its commitment to global development, please visit BizzellUS.com.

Media Contact:
Kwame Phillips, Chief of Staff
info@bizzellus.com

About Bizzell US

Bizzell is a HUBZone-certified, minority-owned consulting, strategy, investment, and technology firm. We design innovative solutions to build healthy, secure, connected, and sustainable communities in our nation and around the world.

World autism awareness day concept. Adult and kid hands holding puzzle heart on light blue background
Categories Blog Tags Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Behavioral Health

Breaking Down Barriers: Increasing Our Understanding of the Autism Spectrum

Breaking Down Barriers: Increasing Our Understanding of the Autism Spectrum

By Bizzell Editorial Staff

April is Autism Awareness Month, a time devoted to raising awareness and acceptance of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). With increased knowledge of the autism spectrum, we can work together to ensure that those with autism can thrive in our communities.

ASD refers to the complex developmental spectrum of related neurological disorders affecting a person’s ability to learn, communicate, behave, and interact with peers [1]National Institute of Mental Health. (2022). Autism Spectrum Disorder (NIH Publication No. 22 – MH -8084). U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health. Retrieved April 13, 2023, from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/sites/default/files/documents/
health/publications/autism-spectrum-disorder/22-MH-8084-Autism-Spectrum-Disorder.pdf. Signs of autism, which usually appear early in childhood, can include:

  • Difficulty making or maintaining eye contact;
  • Difficulty in following the cadence of a conversation, including not responding to facial and verbal cues;
  • Repeating or imitating certain behaviors or phrases;
  • Increased sensitivity to environmental changes, e.g., dramatic changes in the light, dislike of new places; or
  • Overly intense focus on specific interests and details, e.g., remembering detailed, specific facts on topics of interest.

Diagnosing ASD is often challenging. There are no specific tests, so medical history and observations of social interactions, communication, sensory reactions, and other behaviors are frequently used for diagnosis. To determine whether ASD is present, medical professionals like pediatricians, psychologists, and psychiatrists may utilize assessments like the Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC). The ATEC is one of the most widely used instruments available and is accessible in multiple languages.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network, 1 in 36 children has been identified with autism in the United States [2]Maenner MJ, Warren Z, Williams AR, et al. (2023) Prevalence and Characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorder Among Children Aged 8 Years — Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network, 11 Sites, United States, 2020. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report Surveillance Summaries, 72. (2),1–14. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.ss7202a1, which is more likely to affect boys than girls. Early detection and interventions, such as increased education and early medical treatments, can improve the quality of life for those with the disorder and their loved ones. Many treatment options are available depending on the person’s needs. For example, to treat or manage anxiety, depression, hyperactivity, or other comorbid conditions, doctors may prescribe various medications.

Other treatments include:

  • Speech therapies,
  • Talk therapy with or without medication, and/or
  • Behavioral therapies.

While ASD is often associated with children, young adults living with autism face unique challenges and experiences, and it is essential to understand and support them. For young people with autism, finding work and appropriate education can be difficult. One in four young adults with autism receives no support services for employment, continued education, or living more independently during their first years after high school [3]Mathematica. (2022). Advancing Opportunities for Employment of Young Adults on the Autism Spectrum [Factsheet]. Washington, DC: US Department of Labor
https://www.mathematica.org/download-media?MediaItemId={30466745-260B-4844-A030-444FB482B187}. Individuals could find it challenging to interact socially or complete academic assignments involving abstract concepts. Due to prejudice or miscommunication, getting and keeping a job may also be challenging.

Many young adults on the autism spectrum have one or more co-occurring health or mental health conditions; for example, one in every three has an intellectual disability. Four in five have one or more co-occurring mental health conditions [3]Mathematica. (2022). Advancing Opportunities for Employment of Young Adults on the Autism Spectrum [Factsheet]. Washington, DC: US Department of Labor
https://www.mathematica.org/download-media?MediaItemId={30466745-260B-4844-A030-444FB482B187}. In addition, young adults with autism are:

  • More likely to live in low-income households, with three in ten below the federal poverty line.
  • Less likely to pursue vocational or technical education and employment after graduating high school.

Let us use this time to embrace and celebrate neurodiversity and to create a more inclusive, positive space for those with autism. Many outstanding organizations provide excellent resources and support services for those with ASD and their families or caregivers. Below are a few options:

The Autism Research Center is a non-profit that supports increasing the well-being of individuals with autism through innovative, impactful research and education. This organization funds multiple grants to educate people about autism and available resources.

Autism Centers of Excellence (ACE) Program is a National Institute of Health initiative that uses an extensive research network focused on understanding and identifying ASD causes and potential treatments.

The National Autism Center is a non-profit organization that provides tools and information on evidence-based autism treatments. Their website contains information on the efficacy of various treatments and therapies and provides information and support to people with autism and their families. They offer support groups, instructional materials, and advocacy.

The Center for Autism and Related Disorders (CARD) – The CARD is a well-known organization that provides autism diagnostic and treatment services. They also provide materials and training to parents, teachers, and other professionals.

Autism Speaks offers information and support to people with autism and their families. The organization provides information and resources about autism diagnosis, treatment choices, and support services.

 

References

[1] National Institute of Mental Health. (2022). Autism Spectrum Disorder (NIH Publication No. 22 – MH -8084). U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health. Retrieved April 13, 2023, from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/sites/default/files/documents/health/publications/autism-spectrum-disorder/22-MH-8084-Autism-Spectrum-Disorder.pdf

[2] Maenner MJ, Warren Z, Williams AR, et al. (2023) Prevalence and Characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorder Among Children Aged 8 Years — Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network, 11 Sites, United States, 2020. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report Surveillance Summaries, 72. (2),1–14. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.ss7202a1

[3] Mathematica. (2022). Advancing Opportunities for Employment of Young Adults on the Autism Spectrum [Factsheet]. Washington, DC: US Department of Labor
https://www.mathematica.org/download-media?MediaItemId={30466745-260B-4844-A030-444FB482B187}

Categories Insights, Mental Health Tags Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Behavioral Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Health, Mental Health, Special Populations, Thought Leadership

National Autism Awareness Month

National Autism Awareness Month

For over 50 years the Autism Society has provided services and programming to support individuals living with autism. National Autism Awareness Month, observed every April, has been an occasion to promote awareness of autism and work to ensure that each person with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can achieve the highest possible quality of life.  

Autism spectrum disorder is a complex developmental disability that affects a person’s ability to communicate and interact with others. Signs of autism, which usually appear early in childhood, are: delayed learning of language; little or no eye contact with other people; lack of interest in peer relationships; lack of spontaneous or make-believe play; fixation on particular objects; difficulty with executive functioning (which relates to reasoning and planning); narrow, intense interests; poor motor skills; repetitive use of language; repetitive movements (such as hand-flapping); and sensory issues. ASD is a “spectrum condition” that affects individuals to varying degrees. A diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders reflects the number and severity of these behaviors a person shows. 

In 2016, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that the prevalence of autism in the United States was 1 in every 68 births, and 1 in every 54 boys. The overall prevalence in 2016 was twice the rate in 2004, which was 1 in every 125 births. Autism services cost U.S. citizens $236 to $262 billion annually. Most of this amount is for adult services—$175–$196 billion, compared to $61–$66 billion for children. Cost of lifelong care can be reduced by two-thirds with early diagnosis and intervention.  

Autism is treatable. Studies show that early diagnosis and intervention can change lives. Intervention plans must be unique to the individual, but they usually involve behavioral treatment, medicines, or both. Early behavioral treatment requires intensive collaboration between a child’s family and a team of professionals and may consist of parent training and individual therapy in a special center or classroom. Many people with ASD have other associated medical conditions, such as sleep disturbance or seizures, and improving these conditions can improve attention, learning, and behavior. Different interventions are needed as a child develops and acquires social and learning skills—for example, specialized social skills training may be help children with autism when they enter school. Adolescents with autism can benefit from supportive services that help them transition to employment and independence as adults.  

According to Autism Speaks (www.autismspeaks.org), a small minority of people with ASD progress to the point that they no longer meet the diagnostic criteria for autism. These individuals may have been misdiagnosed, may have “matured out” of some symptoms, or may have responded especially well to treatment. Some individuals have the “best possible outcomes”; their test scores are within normal ranges for IQ, language, functioning, school placement and personality, but they still have mild symptoms on some personality and diagnostic tests.  

This April, the Autism Society also wants to encourage people and groups to become partners in a movement toward accepting and appreciating people with ASD and including them in our schools and communities in a way that reflects true appreciation of the unique qualities of all people. “We want to get one step closer to a society where those with ASDs are truly valued for their unique talents and gifts,” says the Society’s website. 

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