POINT PLEASANT — The month of April brings thoughts of spring, flowers and sunshine.

But the month also is a time to observe and be aware of several causes.

On the health front, April is observed as autism and alcohol awareness month as well as cancer control month.

In order to bring attention to the increasing need for concern and awareness of autism, the Autism Society of America has celebrated National Autism Awareness Month in April since the 1970s. According to the ASA, autism is a developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life and affects a person’s ability to communicate and interact with others. With Autism Awareness Month, the ASA encourages others to spread awareness and take action.

April also is designated as Cancer Control Month in order to highlight advances against cancer and re-dedicate the nation to fighting this disease. The American Cancer Society spearheads a number of cancer awareness programs during the month and throughout the year.

April is a time to be aware of alcohol consumption as well and has been designated as Alcohol Awareness Month. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and SAMHSA’s National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information, people who abuse alcohol range from college students who binge drink; pregnant women who drink and put their babies at risk for fetal alcohol syndrome; professionals who drink after a long day of work; and senior citizens who drink out of loneliness.

Those who suspect they might have a drinking problem or know someone who might have a drinking problem are encouraged to call SAMHSA’s Health Information Network at 877-SAMHSA-7.

As the spring season brings athletic competitions, April also has been designated as both Sports Eye Safety Month and Youth Sports Safety Month. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmic Executives, each year more than 40,000 athletes suffer from an eye injury. As for overall athletic safety, Youth Sports Safety Month is aimed to address safety in sports. Past campaigns have addressed issues such as the emergency plan, pre-participation physicals and coaching education.

This month also serves as Sexual Assault Awareness Month. According to the CONTACT 24 Hour Rape Crisis Center, if every person in Mason County takes one action during Sexual Assault Awareness Month, survivors will feel safer coming forward and potential attackers will know the community strongly opposes sexual violence in all its forms.

To promote Sexual Assault Awareness Month, CONTACT’s Mason County office will have a table display at the Mason County Courthouse with information for victims, their families and friends throughout the month.

Other causes being observed include Keep America Beautiful Month, Month of the Young Child, Poetry Month, School Library Media Month, Work Life Enrichment Month, Child Abuse Prevention Month, World Habitat Awareness Month, Stress Awareness Month and Mathematics Awareness Month.