April is recognized nationally as Autism Acceptance Month. Each year the international autism community celebrates the United Nations-sanctioned World Autism Awareness Day on Apr. 2 to kick off Autism Awareness Month.

 

Guttenberg is doing its part by holding a big Autism Awareness event at the Guttenberg Resource Center from 4 to 6 this afternoon. Everyone is invited to attend this family-friendly activity, featuring nearly 20 vendors offering activities, information, giveaways, and more.

 

Autism Acceptance Month was established in 1972 as a result of the Autism Society’s efforts to raise awareness of autism spectrum illnesses and provide assistance for autistic people. This transformed into Autism Awareness Month.

 

The most recent study by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention identified the national Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) rate as 1 in 54 births.  New Jersey's rate is reportedly 1 in 32. 

 

The New Jersey Department of Human Services’ Office on Autism helps families navigate programs and services for people with ASD. They also offer a family guide to navigating the NJ service systems for individuals with ASD and other developmental disabilities, available here.