April is National Autism Awareness Month.

Please join the Town of Manchester and its Board of Directors in proclaiming April as National Autism Awareness Month on Tuesday, April 7th at 7:00 p.m. in the Hearing Room at Lincoln Center. The proclamation will be presented at the beginning of the Board of Directors meeting.

In order to highlight the growing need for awareness about autism, April has been designated as National Autism Awareness Month. This month provides a special opportunity to educate the public about autism and issues within the autism community.

What is autism?

Autism is the most common brain development disorder characterized by impaired social interaction and communication, and by restrictive and repetitive behavior. These signs all begin before a child is three years old. The autism spectrum disorders also include related conditions with milder signs and symptoms. Experts estimate that three to six children out of every 1,000 will have autism. Males are four times more likely to have autism than females.

Although early behavioral or cognitive intervention can help children gain self-care, social, and communication skills, there is no known cure. Few children with autism live independently after reaching adulthood, but some become successful. The main goals of treatment are to lessen associated deficits and family distress, and to increase quality of life and functional independence.

You can learn more about autism on line at www.autism.org or www.autismspeaks.org