Senator Oppenheimer to Speak at Annual Autism Spectrum Information Fair

Senator Urges Awareness and Advocacy as part of Autism Awareness Month

Senator Suzi Oppenheimer (D-Mamaroneck) will speak at Navigating the Spectrum’s 4th Annual Autism Information Fair on Sunday, April 18th at the Westchester County Center.  The event is co-sponsored by the Westchester County Department of Community Mental Health.  

In recognition that April is Autism Awareness Month, Senator Oppenheimer encourages New Yorkers to learn more about autism, and its effects on children and their families.  Autism is a neural development disorder that affects the normal functioning of the brain, impacting the development of social interaction and communication skills.  According to the Center for Disease Control, just three decades ago only 3.5 children out of every 10,000 were diagnosed with autism.  Today, current studies indicate that 1 in every 110 children is afflicted.

“Early identification of the signs of autism is critically important in helping children and their parents understand the disorder and evaluate treatment options,” said Senator Oppenheimer.  “Research has shown that the earlier a child is diagnosed, the sooner he or she can benefit from specialized approaches to treatment and education.”

Navigating the Spectrum’s Autism Information Fair is designed to connect families affected by autism spectrum disorders with knowledgeable and caring therapists, educators and health care professionals who can provide intervention, services and support.  The fair will include over 75 information stations where parents can learn about the latest interventions and therapies, as well as the numerous medical, legal, financial and social support services available to them.

Senator Oppenheimer will participate in a forum of state and local officials to discuss current legislative initiatives that impact families whose lives have been touched by autism spectrum disorders.  “I look forward to hearing from parents and the professional community on the issues that are most important to them,” said the Senator.

The Navigating the Spectrum Autism Information Fair will take place from 11:00 am to 3:30 pm on Sunday, April 18th at the Westchester County Center in White Plains, New York.  Admission is free and all are welcome to attend.  

For more information about the fair, please visit     www.navigatingthespectrum.org/events/specialevents.html.

For more information about autism, visit                                                     www.autism-society.org                                 www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/index.html