| April is World Autism Month. The Autism Society founded the event in 1972 when it began as National Autistic Children’s Week. The event was founded to increase awareness, advocate awareness, and spark change in schools, communities, medical facilities, and businesses. National Autism Awareness Month not only raises awareness for autism but also Asperger’s Syndrome.
Studies show about one in 270 people in the world have Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). ASD causes developmental disabilities which can bring challenges to many areas of one’s life. The areas which are mostly affected included social, communication, and behavior. Children with ASD present as nonverbal or have restricted or repetitive behaviors.
In the state of Maryland there is an organization who works to educate and train the community to support and improve the lives of individuals with autism. Pathfinders For Autism offers great training for First Responders to support a better understanding on how to interact with individuals with ASD when responding to incidents.
Pathfinders is a current partnership with the Town of La Plata Police Department. Corporal Jordan Madison is the officer who has the privilege of being the representative from the Department to attend the events hosted by Pathfinders throughout the state and to drive the Autism Awareness Cruiser. Corporal Madison is also an active member of our department and we support the events hosted by LPPD throughout the month.
CDC also has several resources available on their website to include; ASD Resources, Living with Autism Spectrum Disorder, and other Materials & Resources – all linked below.
If you would like further information on World Autism Month, check out the link below for Autism Speaks.
American Autism Association has several resources available for families, to include Back to School Preparation, Guides for Siblings, and Summer Camps.
If you are looking to set up training and education provided by Pathfinders check out their website below.
If you would like to show support to Cpl Madison and the La Plata Police Department, check out the flyer for their 3nd Annual “Rev'ed Up for Autism” Car Show. |
