Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Highlights Autism Awareness Efforts

HARRISBURG, Pa., April 9, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Governor Tom Wolf has declared April as Autism Awareness Month in Pennsylvania in recognition of the challenges faced by the families and individuals diagnosed with autism.

"Autism affects families from all walks of life in so many ways, across our state and across the country.  All of us know someone that has been affected by autism," Gov. Wolf said. "In recognition of these families and individuals, we will light the Capitol blue for the month of April."

Autism, also known as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), refers to a group of brain disorders that affect social interactions, communication, and other behaviors.

There are more than 55,000 children and adults with autism receiving services in the commonwealth, according to the Pennsylvania Autism Census. Data from the census indicate a 181 percent overall increase of individuals with ASD in the Commonwealth from 2005 to 2011 and a 334 percent increase of adults (21+).

Autism Awareness Month highlights will include:

• Lighting the Capitol blue. The front of the Capitol will be lit blue from dusk until dawn for the month of April to promote autism awareness;
• DHS will be presenting "Autism Spectrum Disorder: The Transition from Childhood to Adulthood" from 6:30 to 8:00 PM on Monday, April 20 at the State Museum. Adults with autism will discuss how they overcame adversity and Nina Wall, director of the Bureau of Autism Services, will speak about how parents can prepare their children on the spectrum for adulthood and what services and support are available to them;
• Information at the Capitol. ASERT, the Autism Services, Education, Resources and Training Collaborative, will hand out free information to legislators and the public at a table in the Capitol Rotunda from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM on Monday, April 13;
• Free training opportunities for professionals who work directly with people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The training will provide a better understanding of ASD and highlight considerations for successful support, including navigating challenging behaviors and successful family and team engagement. For more information on the trainings, visit www.autisminpa.org.

In addition, DHS's Bureau of Autism Services will present two conferences in 2015: one for individuals with autism and their families September 19- 20 at the Lancaster Host Resort and Conference Center, Lancaster, and one for the professionals who support them June 9 – 11, at Eden Resort Inn & Suites, Lancaster.

The Bureau of Autism Services, in the Office of Developmental Programs, provides innovative programs to serve adults with autism. The Department also funds and oversees the Autism Services, Education, Resources and Training Collaborative (ASERT). For more information on the ASERT Collaborative, visit www.PAautism.org or call 1-877-231-4244 to get connected to local resources.

For more information, visit www.dhs.state.pa.us.

Media contact: Diana Fishlock, 717-425-7606

Editor's Note:
PROCLAMATION
AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH
April 2015

WHEREAS, Autism can affect anyone regardless of race, religion, socio-economic status or geography; and

WHEREAS, the incidence of autism in the United States is 1 in 68 children and 1 in 42 boys; and

WHEREAS, autism affects more than 3 million people in the United States and more than 55,000 children and adults with autism are receiving services in the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, the aims for Autism Awareness Month are to inform the general public about the global health crisis of autism, stress the importance of early diagnosis and early intervention, and to celebrate the unique talents and qualities of individuals with autism; and

WHEREAS, while there is no cure for autism, it is well-documented that if individuals with autism receive early and intensive treatment throughout their lives, they lead significantly improved lives; and

WHEREAS, individuals with autism often require a lifetime of specialized and community support services to ensure their health and safety and to support families' resilience as they manage the psychological and financial burdens autism can present.

THEREFORE, In recognition of the plight faced by individuals diagnosed with autism as well as the difficulties their families may face, I, Tom Wolf, Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, do hereby proclaim April 2015 as AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH. I encourage all Pennsylvanians to provide their support in furthering awareness about autism.

GIVEN under my hand and the Seal of the Governor, at the City of Harrisburg, on this twenty-sixth day of March in the year of our Lord two thousand and fifteen, and of the Commonwealth the two hundred and thirty-ninth.

TOM WOLF
Governor

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Human Services

Related Links

http://www.dhs.state.pa.us