Community Outreach
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Discover NIMH is a newsletter from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) to help community advocates and health professionals raise awareness about mental disorders and the importance of mental health research. Find free education and outreach materials in this newsletter and on our Education and Awareness portal to share with your community. We encourage you to use the hashtag #shareNIMH to connect with people and organizations with similar goals. |
NEWS AND EVENTS
April is Autism Awareness Month
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder that affects communication and behavior. Autism is known as a “spectrum” disorder because there is wide variation in the type and severity of symptoms people experience. ASD occurs in all ethnic, racial, and economic groups. Although ASD can be a lifelong disorder, treatments and services can improve a person’s symptoms and ability to function.
For Autism Awareness Month, find statistics and more information on the signs, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments for ASD on our health topic page or download our brochure. Help raise awareness about ASD by sharing informational materials based on the latest research.
Social Media Messages on Autism Awareness
Find these messages and more at Shareable Resources on Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Message on Screening
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It's recommended that all children should be screened for developmental delays beginning at their 9-month well-child visit and specifically for autism at their 18- and 24-month visits. Learn more at https://go.usa.gov/xdQUV #shareNIMH |
Message on Treatment
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Early treatment and proper care for autism spectrum disorder can reduce individuals' difficulties while helping them learn new skills and make the most of their strengths. Learn more at https://go.usa.gov/xdQUV #shareNIMH |
Message on Signs and Symptoms
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Signs of autism spectrum disorder are often subtler in those diagnosed as older children and adolescents. Know the signs and symptoms. Learn more at https://go.usa.gov/xdQUV #shareNIMH |
Additional Resources
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Webinar: Expanding Career Pathways for Youth and Young Adults on the Autism Spectrum
Watch and share this webinar, sponsored by the National Autism Coordinator and NIMH's Office of Autism Research Coordination, which provided information about supports and resources to improve access to competitive, integrated employment for youth and young adults on the autism spectrum and enhance their career pathways.
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Autism Spectrum Disorder Brochure
Download a PDF version of this free brochure on ASD. This brochure informs parents and adults about the range of symptoms of autism spectrum disorders, including social impairment, communications issues, and repetitive behaviors. The brochure also discusses the diagnosis and treatment of ASD.
This brochure is also available in Spanish.
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Podcast: Autism in Adults
Over the last 20 years, research has helped us better understand autism in adults. In this podcast, NIMH Director Dr. Joshua Gordon interviews two experts on autism about these research advances.
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April is National Minority Health Month
April is National Minority Health Month. The HHS Office of Minority Health (OMH) and the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (ODPHP) have launched a Move Your Way campaign to highlight the tremendous advantages to both physical and mental health from having an active lifestyle.
Social Media Message on Minority Health
Mental disorders do not discriminate. During National Minority Health Month, take control of your mental health and learn more about the signs and symptoms, risk factors, and treatments for various mental disorders: https://go.usa.gov/xyTFc
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Additional Resources
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Diversity Matters in Mental Health Research
People from racial and ethnic minority populations, lower socioeconomic classes, and those who live in rural communities, are less likely to have access to mental health care and more likely to receive lower-quality care.
Read more and share this message from NIMH Director Dr. Joshua Gordon about the burden of mental health disparities in minority populations.
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Increasing Awareness of Minority Mental Health: Resources and Opportunities
Skim through last year's Minority Mental Health Twitter Chat hosted by the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities and the HHS Office of Minority Health to find information on increasing awareness of minority mental health.
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Coping with COVID-19
It can be difficult to cope with fear and anxiety, changing daily routines, and a general sense of uncertainty about #COVID19. Although people respond to stressful situations in different ways, there are steps you can take to help manage stress. Visit http://cdc.gov/coronavirus
for more info.
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When parents and caregivers deal with #COVID19 calmly and confidently, they can provide the best support for their children. There are many things you can do to help your child cope: https://go.usa.gov/xvxea @CDCgov
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New Spanish Language Resources
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PANDAS–Preguntas y respuestas
PANDAS es el acrónimo en inglés para un grupo de trastornos pediátricos neuropsiquiátricos autoinmunitarios asociados con infecciones estreptocócicas. Solicítelos gratis en https://go.usa.gov/xvadM. #shareNIMH
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5 cosas que usted debe saber sobre el estrés
Todo el mundo se siente estresado de vez en cuando, pero, ¿qué es el estrés? ¿Cómo afecta su salud en general? ¿Qué puede hacer para controlar el estrés? A continuación, le indicamos cinco cosas que debe saber sobre el estrés: https://go.usa.gov/xvavX #shareNIMH
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
Pass it on!
Do you know someone who is interested in increasing public awareness about mental health issues? Please feel free to forward this email and encourage them to subscribe to Discover NIMH!
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Learn More
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![Autism screening](https://www.facebook.com/dialog/share?app_id=173035054086&display=popup&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nimh.nih.gov%2Feducation-awareness-images%2Fautism-spectrum-disorder%2Fscreening.jpg"e=It%27s%20recommended%20that%20all%20children%20should%20be%20screened%20for%20developmental%20delays%20beginning%20at%20their%209-month%20well-child%20visit%20and%20specifically%20for%20autism%20at%20their%2018-%20and%2024-month%20visits.%20Learn%20more%20at%20http%3A%2F%2Fgo.usa.gov%2FxdQUV%20%23shareNIMH)
![Autism treatment image](https://www.facebook.com/dialog/share?app_id=173035054086&display=popup&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nimh.nih.gov%2Feducation-awareness-images%2Fautism-spectrum-disorder%2Ftreatment.jpg"e=After%20autism%20spectrum%20disorder%20(ASD)%20is%20diagnosed%2C%20treatment%20should%20begin%20as%20soon%20as%20possible.%20Early%20treatment%20and%20proper%20care%20for%20ASD%20can%20reduce%20individuals%27%20difficulties%20while%20helping%20them%20learn%20new%20skills%20and%20make%20the%20most%20of%20their%20strengths.%20http%3A%2F%2Fgo.usa.gov%2FxdQUV%20%23shareNIMH)
![Autism signs](https://www.facebook.com/dialog/share?app_id=173035054086&display=popup&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nimh.nih.gov%2Feducation-awareness-images%2Fautism-spectrum-disorder%2Fsigns.jpg"e=Signs%20of%20autism%20spectrum%20disorder%20(ASD)%20are%20often%20subtler%20in%20those%20diagnosed%20as%20older%20children%20and%20adolescents.%20To%20read%20more%20on%20the%20signs%2C%20symptoms%2C%20and%20diagnosing%20ASD%2C%20visit%20http%3A%2F%2Fgo.usa.gov%2FxdQUV%20%23shareNIMH)
