Posted on April 18, 2016 at 8:29 AM by Victoria Mulherin
April is National Autism Awareness Month
In order to highlight the growing need for concern and awareness about autism, the Autism Society has been celebrating National Autism Awareness Month since the 1970s. The Autism Society launched a nationwide effort to promote autism awareness, inclusion and self-determination for all, and assure that each person with ASD is provided the opportunity to achieve the highest possible quality of life. The United States recognizes April as a special opportunity for everyone to educate the public about autism and issues within the autism community.
What can you do?
- Put on the Puzzle! The Autism Awareness Puzzle Ribbon is the most recognized symbol of the autism community in the world. Autism prevalence is now one in every 68 children in America. Show your support for people with autism by wearing the Autism Awareness Puzzle Ribbon
- Watch a movie. Did you know that something that seems as simple as going to the movies is not an option for many families affected by autism? The Autism Society works with AMC Theatres to bring special-needs families “Sensory Friendly Films” every month.
- Donate to the Autism Society. Help improve the lives of all impacted by autism with a financial gift to the Autism Society.
Burlington County and the Sheriff’s Department offers a free safety program available to any resident of the county who qualifies. Project Lifesaver protects individuals who wander and gives peace of mind to caregivers, families and communities.
Project Lifesaver is an innovative, rapid response program aiding victims and families suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and similar disorders such as Autism and Down Syndrome. Burlington County has formed partnerships with local law enforcement and public safety organizations to ensure that specially trained teams with the most reliable technology are available to quickly located and return wandering adults and children to their families and/or caregivers.
People who are a part of the Project Lifesaver program wear a specialized wristband that emits a tracking signal. When a family or caregiver notifies Emergency 911 that the person is missing, a search and rescue team responds to the wanderer’s area and starts searching with a mobile locater tracking system. Search times have been reduced from hours and days to minutes!
Please contact the Burlington County Sheriff’s Department at 609-265-5785 for more information about Project Lifesaver, and to register your family member or loved one for this valuable service.