Commissioners sign Autism Acceptance Month proclamation

612
Darke Commissioners sign Autism Acceptance Month Proclamation. (Tonya Keller photo)

GREENVILLE – The Darke County Commissioners met with members of the local Developments Disability to sign the Autism Acceptance Month Proclamation with Commissioners Matt Aultman, Larry Holmes and Marshall Combs present.

“Today for the month of April we signed a proclamation for Autism Acceptance Month,” said Commissioner Combs. “They recently changed the name from Awareness to Acceptance. There are many great people out there, a lot of special skills and these people are great parts of our community. We want to see them succeed and show our appreciation for them.”

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can affect anyone regardless of race, religion, socioeconomic status, or geography. The prevalence of SSD in the United States in 1 in 36 children and affects more than 5.4 million people in the United States, and nearly 200,000 children and adults in the state.

The aims of Autism Acceptance Month are to inform the general public about both the potential and needs of people with ASD and to stress the importance of early diagnosis and early intervention, as well as the importance of providing appropriate supports that continue through adulthood.

“Up and down Broadway different government buildings with blue lightbulbs will be shining and signs may be in the yard,” Commissioner Combs noted. “That is what blue lightbulbs are for, Autism Acceptance Month April is 2023.”

The proclamation stated, In recognition of Ohioans diagnosed with ASD and their families, We, the Darke County Commissioners, do hereby proclaim April 2024 as AUTISM ACCEPTANCE MONTH.  We encourage all Ohioans to provide their support in furthering awareness and acceptance of ASD.