1. April is Autism Awareness Month
HPMS Advisory April 2017

2. Light it up Blue in your neighborhood with a blue lightbulb!
SHINE A LIGHT ON AUTISM: Thanks for wearing blue today celebrating World Autism Awareness day here at Harper Park (official day was April 2nd)! Here are some cool landmarks who light it up blue worldwide!
Light it up Blue in your neighborhood with a blue lightbulb!
Sydney, Australia
NYC, USA

3. Light it up Blue (Cont.)
Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
Paris, France

4. Light it up Blue (cont.) …and many more! Kanagawa, Japan
Washington, DC, USA
…and many more!

5. What is Autism?
Autism is a brain disorder characterized by trouble communicating, forming friendships and using language and certain concepts.
An autistic child may have:
~Difficulties communicating verbally and non-verbally
~Social and behavioral challenges
~Repetitive behaviors
~Typically appears between the ages of 2-3, and starts in
early-stage brain development
Intro to Autism for Kids Video

6. The Facts Autism affects 1 in 68 children
Autism affects children of all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups.
No medical cure, but there are interventions that can help children learn important skills that improve everyday life
Fastest growing developmental disorder in the nation
A child is diagnosed with Autism every 8 minutes
Costs a family an average of $60,000 per year
Autism receives less than 5% of the research funding of many less prevalent childhood diseases
Children with Autism can learn and succeed in the classroom and beyond. Like every child, with the help of their families, providers, doctors, specialists, and communities, kids with Autism can thrive.
I Am The Child (end at the 3 minute mark)