Autism spectrum disorder has the potential to touch just about anyone. The World Health Organization estimates that one in 160 children across the globe has ASD, while some well-controlled studies have reported that figures are substantially higher than that.

ASD affects all ethnic and socioeconomic groups, meaning just about any family can be affected.

In 2018, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released its biennial update of autism’s estimated prevalence among the nation’s children. The update was based on anal-where available, educa ysis of medical records, and tional records of eight-yearold children from 11 monitor ing sites across the United States. In a two-year period, the new estimate indicated a 15 percent increase in ASD prevalence.

Understandably, anyone who has been affected by ASD wants to learn more about what individuals can do to advocate for high quality services for those with ASD. The autism information group Autism Speaks says more work is needed prevalence and the complex to understand the increased medical needs that often accompany ASD. There are tive ways to become more many different and effecmunity. involved in the autism com.

Educate children

Many schools have integrated classrooms where children who have ASD work alongside their peers. Others may have specialized programs for those who need one-on-one support. Either way, the goal is to introduce are young, as many have children to ASD when they ASD. Helping to dispel myths friends or classmates with support and compassion can about ASD and encouraging improve relationships during childhood.

Fundraise

Research into causation as well as treatment options can be expensive. That and interventions for ASD makes fundraising a necessary component. Individuals nized fundraisers, such as can participate in many orga-activities. However, enterpris-walks, runs, rides, and other their own fundraisers or ones ing people also can create unique to their own needs.

Support others

Those who do not have someone with ASD in their immediate family but know bor with ASD can be a lisa relative, friend or neigh-rally at events or advocacy tening ear, a person to stone when a little extra meetings, or just a touch who own businesses can support is needed. People the community through pro-support adults with ASD in gram’s like the Organization Autism Initiative. for Autism Research’s Hire

Autism spectrum disorder affects many different of April and throughout the people. During the month ways for people to spread entire year, there are many support ASD research. the word about ASD and

Homemade foods have a way of connecting with people that restaurant fare does not. That’s even more true when the meal being cooked is based on a family recipe people recall from childhood. Renowned cookbook author Elisa Costantini pays homage to such recipes in her new cookbook “Italian Moms: Something Old, Something New” (Sterling Epicure). The book is filled with recipes, including this one for “Seafood Paella,” the Italian-born Costantini reconstructed from readers’ emails, notes, letters, and memories.

Seafood Paella

Serves 6 to 8 people

2 Spanish onions, chopped

3 garlic cloves, chopped

1/4 cup olive oil, plus more for drizzling

2 28-ounce cans crushed tomatoes

2 bay leaves

1 pound fresh squid, sliced

1 pound cuttlefish, cut into pieces

1 pound lobster tail meat, cut into pieces

Salt, to taste

3 cups chicken stock

1 cup dry white wine

2 cups Arborio rice 2 dozen fresh mussels

2 dozen fresh mussels

2 to 3 dozen fresh clams

1 tablespoon saffron

1. In a large paella pan, sauté the onion and garlic in the olive oil over medium heat. Add the tomatoes and bay leaves, and simmer for 5 minutes. Add the squid, cuttlefish, lobster, and a pinch of salt, and cook, stirring, for a minute or so more.

2. In a saucepan, bring the chicken stock and wine to a boil. As it boils, add the rice to the fish mixture in the paella pan and blend thoroughly. Ladle three-fourths of the boiling stock over the rice and bring to a boil. Season the rice with more salt to taste. Reduce the heat to low and mix well, distributing rice evenly in the paella pan. Continue to cook the rice for 18 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3. While the rice is cooking, heat about 1 inch of water and a drizzle of olive oil in a separate sauté pan, then add the mussels. Steam until the mussels open, then transfer to the paella pan with a slotted spoon. Steam and transfer the clams in the same way. Take 1 cup of the clam water and whisk together with the saffron in a small bowl. Add to the paella pan, and simmer the mixture for 5 minutes more. Serve the paella directly from the paella pan.