April is Autism Awareness Month and April 2 was World Autism Awareness Day. Blue is the color of the autism spectrum disorder (ASD) awareness, so please wear blue to honor the cause.
Autism is a complex mental developmental condition characterized by difficulties in the way a person communicates and interacts with others. Autism can be present from birth or form during early childhood and has no single known cause.
Because autism is a spectrum disorder, each person on the spectrum has a distinct set of strengths and challenges. The ways in which those on the spectrum learn, think and problem-solve can range from highly skilled to severely challenged. Some on the autism spectrum may require significant support in their daily lives, while others may need less support and, in some cases, live entirely independently. The Autism Society recognizes that the prevalence of autism in the United States has risen from one in 125 children in 2010 to one in 59 in 2020. The most current statistics suggest that one in 54 children has autism in the United States.
While no two people on the spectrum have the same set of symptoms, common characteristics include impaired social skills or problems interacting with others. Some on the spectrum do not have adequate playing or speaking skills. Those on one end of the spectrum may exhibit clumsy behavior, being out of sync with those around them and use inappropriate or offensive language. At the other end of the spectrum, a person may not be interested in interacting with others.
Those on the spectrum may find it harder to show empathy to others, although they can be taught to acknowledge other’s feelings. In some cases, they do not like physical contact such as hugs, tickling or physical play. Those on the spectrum often display repetitive behavior in performing the same action many times over. Any change to their behavior or routine can be unsettling. Other characteristics of autism include an unpredictable learning rate, obsessions and physical tics.
For more information about National Autism Awareness Month, visit autism-society.org.
** The Voorhees Township Police Department is partnering with the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA)in a “National Take Back Initiative” on Saturday, April 22, from 10 am to 2pm. The take-back will allow the public to surrender expired, unwanted or unused pharmaceutical controlled substances and other medications to law enforcement for destruction. Needles (IV Solutions, injectables and syringes) and liquids WILL NOT be accepted. For more information, contact Det. Josh Cramer at 856-627-5858 x1142.
Please join us in removing potentially dangerous controlled substances from our medicine cabinets and bringing awareness to the issue of pharmaceutical drug use.
** The Animal Welfare Association’s Paws & Feet 5K and Doggie Fun Day is on Saturday, May 6 from 9am to 2pm at the Voorhees Town Center. AWA is celebrating their 25th Paws & Feet and will be kicking off their 75th anniversary year. For more information, visit:
https://www.awanj.org/paws-and-feet-5k-run-walk-doggie-fun-day/
** The Voorhees Township Arts Commission is hosting a Candlelight Concert featuring the South Garden Strings Quartet on Saturday, May 6 at 8pm in the Town Center Mall. For more information, contact Jennifer Gaffney at (856) 882-5342.
** The Police Foundation Car Show is on May 20 from 11am to 3pm at the Town Center. Show Entry from Laurel Road between Echelon Road and Burnt Mill Road. Entry fee $20 day of show with no pre-registration. For more information, contact Lt. Derek Hawkins at 856-627-5858 x1116.
