The Hiram G. Andrews Center in Upper Yoder Township hosted an Autism Walk & Resource Fair this Morning.
Nicole Fuschino was there & tells us more about it. April is Autism Awareness Month and that’s exactly what officials here at the school are promoting the acceptance of all people on the Autism spectrum.
But not only that the purpose of Today’s event was also to expose students to post-secondary education & employment opportunities after high school.
About 250 Autism support students from nine local school districts gathered for the walk making stops at different stations teaching them different lessons along the way.
According to the Autism Society, Autism in the United States has risen from 1 in 125 children in 2010 to 1 in 54 in 2020
And that’s why the Center is promoting acceptance for all because you never know who has the condition.
“The importance is that everyone’s individuality is important. We really want them to just try to roll with the punches so to speak, and interact with people as best you can. They’re trying, and we need to try as well, so that the communication and acceptance really does happen.”
Organizers tell me they’ve had this annual walk for many years now but it was cancelled the last two years because of covid so they were glad to be back to spread their message.