One in 36 children are estimated to be diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder in the U.S., according to the CDC's Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network.

As a developmental disorder, autism can impact how a person communicates, behaves and learns. With April being Autism Awareness month, local organizations are spreading awareness and helping others better understand people with autism. 

Abigail Murphy is a multimedia reporter for Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. To contact Abigail Murphy, email abigail.murphy@alexcityoutlook.com.