LYNN — The Lynn Disability Network Group (LDNG) will be holding its first Autism Awareness Day on Saturday, April 2 from 1 to 3 p.m. at Kiley Park.
The event will help to give children with autism and their parents an opportunity to meet others, find support and learn information about the condition.
“The event will feature games, activities and dancing for all to enjoy,” a representative from the LDNG said. “This event will help raise awareness and show support for families and people living with a child on the autism spectrum.”
The LDNG coordinated Saturday’s event with the Lynn Parks and Recreation Department and the Caring Heart Special Rights Support Group.
This will be the city’s first Autism Awareness Day event, according to the LDNG.
According to the Autism Science Foundation website, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a brain-based disorder that is characterized by social-communication challenges and restricted and/or repetitive behaviors, activities and interests.
Some symptoms of ASD can range from difficulty with communication and interaction with other people to restricted interests and repetitive behaviors and symptoms that affect ability to function in school, work, and other areas of life.
Because there is a wide range of the types and severity of symptoms, ASD is classified as a spectrum disorder.
Anyone, regardless of gender, race or ethnicity can be diagnosed with ASD.
Researchers don’t know the primary causes of ASD, but studies suggest that a person’s genes can act together with aspects of their environment to affect development in ways that lead to ASD, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).
The United Nations designated April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day in 2008.
The day brings individual autism-awareness organizations together all around the world to aid in research, diagnoses, treatment and acceptance for those with a developmental path affected by autism.
Each year, a theme is chosen by the United Nations to highlight those living with autism.
This year’s theme was selected to be “Inclusive Education.”
