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SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) – Today is World Autism Day, and to commemorate it, we’re highlighting how awareness and resources for people on the spectrum and their families have grown over the years. We are investigating how it has evolved.
Western Mass News spoke with Sunshine Village’s executive director, who said knowledge and awareness have evolved dramatically over the past 15 to 20 years.
In commemoration of World Autism Day, Western Mass News on Tuesday, April 2, spoke to Gina Village, executive director of Sunshine Village, a local agency that provides services and resources to people with disabilities, including autism. We interviewed Mr. Koss. Koss said care for people on the spectrum and the world’s climate have evolved positively over the past few decades.
“I think that journey has been from awareness to acceptance to appreciation. Nowadays people know someone on the autism spectrum, but 15 or 20 years ago that wasn’t the case. Once someone Knowing someone only increases our awareness of knowing someone, loving someone, and realizing that they are all that we can be,” Koss explained.
According to a 2023 Autism Speaks and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study, 1 in 36 children in the United States has autism, up from 1 in 44 previously, and 45 adults. One person had autism, and the prevalence of autism is low. among white children than among other racial and ethnic groups.
- White – 2.4%
- Black – 2.9%
- Hispanic – 3.2%
- Asian or Pacific Islander – 3.3%
According to Autism Speaks and the CDC, these statistical changes reflect improvements in autism diagnostic outreach, screening, and destigmatization in minority communities.
To commemorate World Autism Day, Sunshine Village provided Western Mass News with a video introducing one of our members, Louis Chevalier.
“I love spending time with my family and friends, and I love making music,” Chevalier said. “I sing, write, produce, and make my own beats. Music is a huge part of my life and I’m proud of what I do, and I love going to Sunshine Village.” love.”
We also had the opportunity to speak with Noel Milan, who explained how autism has affected him and his family.
“When my nephew was first diagnosed with autism, it was a little difficult,” Millan said. “It really was, but thanks to all the support, we love and cherish him every day.”
KO suggests that families with young children look to the school sector and have a place to turn to, like Sunshine Village, once their child graduates from high school.
Copyright 2024. Western Mass News (WGGB/WSHM). All rights reserved.
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