Autism Awareness Night (townofbabylon.com)
In honor of Autism Awareness month, the Town of Babylon will host a forum Wednesday to help educate parents and local government on the developmental disorder that has no cure.
The event will take place at the Babylon Town Hall from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Local advocacy organizations will be in attendance to distribute material at resource tables, and a short ceremony will take place at 7 p.m.
Among some of the organizations that will be in attendance are the Long Island Autism Coalition, and Nassau Suffolk Services for Autism, which is part of the coalition.
Autism is a disorder that affects the brain’s normal development of behavior and social skills. Instances of autism around the world is “exploding” said Marissa Bennett, a board member with the Autism Coalition of Long Island.
“Autism in the last 20 years has gone from a developmental disability that affected 4 in 10,000,” Bennett said. “And as of the latest numbers from the [Centers for Disease Control] it is now affecting 1 in 110 individuals.”
The coalition was originally formed under former Nassau County Executive Thomas Suozzi, she said, but has branched out to Suffolk County in order to create a “united cause” behind a growing, but under-served population.
Parents and speakers from both the coalition and the Town of Babylon will speak at the event, Bennett said. Tables will be set up for information regarding the disability and families of children with autism will be able to interact with one another.
“It’s important to know that they’re not isolated because autism can create a very isolating home life,” Bennett said. “Particularly if you have a child that its difficult for you to take out into the community.
“So you wind up living a very isolated life. It’s good to get out and meet with other families, as well as see what other programs are out there that can possible be of support to your child and your family.”
The Town of Brookhaven will also be hosting an event in honor of Autism Awareness month on April 28.
