April is Autism Acceptance Month. Blue is the color of the autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
awareness, so please wear blue to honor the cause.
Autism is a complex mental-developmental condition characterized by difficulties in the way a
person communicates and interacts with others. It can be present from birth or during early
childhood and has no single known cause.
Because autism is a spectrum disorder, each person on the spectrum has a distinct set of strengths
and challenges. The ways in which those on the spectrum learn, think and problem solve can
range from highly skilled to severely challenged. Some may require
significant support in their daily lives, while others may need less support and, in some cases,
live entirely independently.
The Autism Society recognizes that the prevalence of autism in the U.S. has risen from one in 125 children in 2010 to one in 59 in 2020. The most current estimate is that about 1 in 36 children have been identified with autism spectrum disorder.Â
While no two people on the spectrum have the same set of symptoms, common
characteristics include impaired social skills or problems interacting with others. Some on
the spectrum do not have adequate playing or speaking skills. Those on one end of the
spectrum may exhibit clumsy behavior, be out of sync with those around them and use
inappropriate or offensive language. At the other end of the spectrum, a person may not be
interested in interacting with others.
Those on the spectrum may find it harder to show empathy, although they can be
taught to acknowledge others’ feelings. In some cases, they do not like physical contact
such as hugs, tickling or physical play, and they often display repetitive
behavior in performing the same action many times over. Any change to their behavior or
routine can be unsettling. Other characteristics of autism include an unpredictable learning
rate, obsessions and physical tics.
For more information about National Autism Awareness Month, visit autism-society.org.
The Voorhees Breakfast Rotary Club is hosting its annual Easter egg hunt on Saturday at 10 am. Rain date is April 19. For more information, contact Roger Leonard at (856) 627-2600, ext. 427. The Rotary is also hosting an art show display of the works of special needs children from Voorhees schools and Kingsway Learning Center on Saturday at 10 a.m. at Kingsway, 1000 Voorhees Drive. Admission is free. For more
information, contact the number above.
Voorhees Township’s annual free rabies clinic will be held on Saturday, May 3, from 9 a.m. to noon
at the Lions Lake Complex. For more information, contact the township clerk’s office at
(856) 429-7757 or email pets@voorheesnj.com
The police department’s annual benefit car show takes place on Saturday, May 3, rain or shine, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Town Center. Proceeds benefit the department and its Police
Foundation. Entry fee is $20 and there is no pre-registration. For more information, call (856) 904-
4843 or email catalano112@verizon.net or goatguytom@aol.com
