April is Autism Acceptance Month. 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 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 estimate is that about 1 in 36 children have been identified with autism spectrum disorder.

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 Breakfast Rotary Club is hosting its Annual Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 12 at 10am. The rain date is April 19. For more information, contact Roger Leonard at 856-627-2600 x427
** The Voorhees Breakfast Rotary Club is hosting an Art Show Display of the works of special needs children from Voorhees schools and Kingsway Learning Center on April 12 at 10am at Kingsway Learning Center, 1000 Voorhees Drive. Admission is free. For more information, contact Roger Leonard at 856-627-2600 x427
** Voorhees Township’s Annual Free Rabies Clinic will be held on May 3 from 9am-12pm at the Lions Lake Complex. For more information, contact the Township Clerk’s Office at (856)429-7757 or email pets@voorheesnj.com
** The Voorhees Township Police Department is hosting its 9th Annual PD Foundation Benefit Car Show on Saturday, May 3, rain or shine, from 11am to 3pm at the Voorhees Town Center. Proceeds benefit the Voorhees Police Department and the Voorhees Township Police Foundation. Entry fee is $20, no pre-registration. For more information, call Chuck (856)904-4843 or email catalano112@verizon.net; or call Tom (856)52-2588 or email goatguytom@aol.com
** Poll workers are needed – serve your community on Election Day! You need to be a registered voter living in Camden County, have transportation, want to help your neighbors vote, and be ready to get paid $300 for your service. Training will be provided. For more information, call 856-401-8683.