PARSIPPANY — Mayor James Barberio presented a resolution to proclaim April 2017 as National Autism Awareness Acceptance, Understanding and Inclusion Month and urge all citizens to participate in National Autism Awareness Month activities to become better educated about autism and to create a better community for individuals with autism.
Accepting the proclamation were Peter Fifoot and Antoinette Fifoot from Autism New Jersey.
World Autism Awareness Day. The ninth annual World Autism Awareness Day is April 2, 2017. Every year, autism organizations around the world celebrate the day with unique fundraising and awareness-raising events.
Autism, or autism spectrum disorder, refers to a range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication, as well as by unique strengths and differences.
The proclamation read:
Whereas, autism is a pervasive developmental disorder affecting the social communication and behavioral skills of those affected by it; and
Whereas, as more health professionals become proficient in diagnosing autism, more children are being diagnosed on the autism spectrum, resulting in rates as high as 1 in 68 children nationally and 1 in 41 in New Jersey; 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 insure their health and safety and to support families’ resilience as they manage the psychological and financial burdens autism can present; and
Whereas, Autism New Jersey is spearheading an awareness in order to educate parents, professionals and the general public about autism and its effects.
Now, Therefore, I, James R. Barberio, Mayor of the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills, do hereby proclaim April 2017 as National Autism Awareness Acceptance, Understanding and Inclusion Month and urge all citizens to participate in National Autism Awareness Month activities to become better educated about autism and to create a better community for individuals with autism.
