United ISD Celebrates Autism Awareness Month in April with Community Balloon Release and School Parad
Written by admin, Apr 3, 2017, Comments Off
Courtesy Veronica Cantu,
LAREDO, TX – United ISD: The month of April is “National Autism Awareness Month,” and to celebrate the United Independent School District held a kick-off ceremony this morning at Arndt Elementary School. Community leaders and law enforcement and public safety officials turned out to show their support for those affected by the disorder.
“We must be aware and more understanding of people with autism,” said United ISD Superintendent Roberto J. Santos. “Separating the facts of autism from the fiction is a good way to start.”
According to the Autism Speaks website, autism, or autism spectrum disorder, refers to a range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication, as well as by unique strengths and differences. There is not one type of autism but many types which are caused by different combinations of genetic and environmental influences. Thus, the term “spectrum” refers to a wide range of challenges and strengths possessed by each person with autism.
At the kick-off event, School Principal Juanita Zepeda and Arndt Elementary School Special Education Teachers Mayra Pena and Elvira Madrigal, along with their students, explained some of the characteristics of autism. They urged families and caregivers to have their children evaluated by a pediatrician or family doctor if their children exhibit some of the disorder’s key characteristics or fail to reach certain age milestones.
City of Laredo Council Member Alex Perez presented United ISD with a proclamation that designated April 3, 2017 as National Autism Awareness Month in the District. Other special guests in the audience included many county and community leaders.
Additionally, Erica Segovia and Angelica Solano, both parents of Special Education students diagnosed with the disorder, addressed the audience and thanked the District for providing the appropriate classroom instruction.
Laredo Autism Awareness Groups, Autism Awareness Education Foundation, Families for Autism Support, and Think Autism Awareness were in attendance and stressed that outside of the school district, there is community support to help families understand autism and how they can help their children.
To end of the event, Arndt Elementary asked all in attendance to join them in a community balloon release. Attendees then made their way into the school building for a grand parade along the school’s hallways.
Later, guests enjoyed refreshments made by students with special needs at the District’s Cherish Center. United ISD will be hosting activities at several campuses to raise awareness and support for autism throughout the month of April.
