COLUMBIA, S.C. — April is Autism Awareness Month and the South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs (DDSN) is encouraging residents to join in this important observance by attending the various events occurring throughout the state, seeking out educational resources about autism, and talking with individuals with autism, as well as their families and friends.

“Our society has come a long way in understanding what autism is and how different each case may be,” said Stephanie Turner, DDSN’s Autism Division Director. “But there is still work to do, from providing adequate resources to individuals with autism, to teaching everyone, from authority figures to next-door neighbors, classmates, and coworkers, how to properly communicate with individuals on the spectrum.”

Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, and speech and nonverbal communication. New data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows one in 36 children in the U.S. has been diagnosed with autism.

DDSN works closely with individuals with autism in various ways, including supporting individuals with autism who live at our regional centers; employing individuals with disabilities including those with autism; and providing helpful resources to individuals and their families and alerting them of various opportunities.

Additionally, DDSN participates in Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) across the state, hosted by the South Carolina chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI SC). The state chapter trains law enforcement agencies around South Carolina on the best ways to communicate with individuals with disabilities. Turner teaches an autism class as part of the weeklong training and instructs officers on how to identify and communicate with an individual diagnosed with autism.

DDSN is participating in various events across the state in observance of Autism Awareness Month, including the City of Chester’s Light it Up Blue event on April 7, the 17th annual Strides for Autism Walk in Irmo on April 15, the Columbia Fireflies’ Autism Acceptance Night on April 23, and MUSC’s Spark in the Park Autism Resource Festival on April 29.

“From the work various organizations do in the community, to the interactions individuals with autism may have with law enforcement or other authority figures, we want those with an autism diagnosis to experience the same positive experiences we enjoy,” Turner said. “We are thankful for the fun and informative opportunities in observance of the awareness month, and invite South Carolinians to attend these events in celebration of these incredible individuals.”

For more on DDSN’s activities and mission, visit our website and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.