April is Autism Acceptance Month. Blue is the color of 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. How 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 others’ 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.

** Voorhees Township residents are invited to visit the Lions Lake Complex on April 23 for convenient access to several important services. The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission will be on-site from 9 AM to 3 PM, offering services including REAL ID (appointment required), registration renewals, non-driver IDs, duplicate or replacement titles or registrations, and more. A representative from Senator Beach’s office will also be on-site to provide information about state resources, including Property Tax Relief for Seniors. In addition, utility assistance representatives will be available—South Jersey Gas from 9 AM to 1:30 PM and New Jersey American Water from 10 AM to 1 PM. Please bring copies of your household verification, proof of income, identification for all household members, and any related correspondence. For more information, please visit the Township social media platforms.

** Voorhees Township is hosting its annual Rabies Clinic on May 2 from 9 AM to 12 PM at the Lions Lake Complex. For more information, follow the Township social media platforms.

** The Voorhees Township Police K-9 Unit and the Voorhees Township Police Foundation are proud sponsors of the Benefit Car Show on Saturday, May 16, from 10 AM to 2 PM at the Voorhees Town Center. Enjoy music, food vendors, K-9 Unit demos, and a tactical vehicle display. Entry fee is $20, no pre-registration required. Registration closes at 11 AM on the day of the event. For more information, call Lt. Ryan Brennan at (856) 882-1111 or visit the Township social media platforms.