On April 10th, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman joined local schools, advocates, and community partners, as well as public officials, to raise awareness for Autism Awareness Month. County Executive Blakeman noted autism diagnoses have reached their highest levels to date – 1 in 31 children. The dome of the Nassau County Theodore Roosevelt Executive & Legislative Building was lit blue in recognition of Autism Awareness Month.
As the father of an autistic adult son, Nassau County Legislator Michael Giangregorio spoke about his family’s journey and need for critical services and housing. He noted autism is a spectrum and individuals may be profoundly disabled or high functioning, but all must feel welcomed. He emotionally shared his biggest worry as a parent of a child that requires 24/7 care, “I’m going to die. Who will take care of my son?” He is not alone.
Following informative remarks by Nassau County Department of Health Director of Epidemiology, Dr. Tavora Buchman, parents, advocates and executives from Autism Speaks, The Nicholas Center, and Variety Child Learning Center raised the importance of expanding key services such as early intervention, therapies such as speech and occupational, and most importantly safe, appropriate housing for autistic youth and adults.
While messages about the importance of acceptance, awareness, and inclusion were echoed by all and the County Executive, Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Jennifer DeSena and Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino shared the efforts they are making to meet the autism community’s needs, it was clear more needs to be done.