Gregoire Shines Light on Autism Awareness Month

In honor of Autism Awareness Month this April, state Rep. Danielle Gregoire, D-Marlborough, will display an Autism Speaks decal on her office door, joining individuals and families in Marlborough, Westborough, Northborough and across the world, as well as colleagues at the Massachusetts Statehouse, in a global initiative to bring attention to autism. Autism is the fastest growing serious developmental disability in the United States; it was recently announced by the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) that one in every 68 children is diagnosed with autism, including one in every 42 boys.

“I am thrilled to be joining Autism Speaks in bringing awareness to autism throughout the month of April,” said Gregoire.  “Individuals on the autism spectrum are in every community and face challenges every day at work, home and school.  I am proud to be an advocate for these individuals and will continue to work to bring awareness to their cause.”

The display of the Autism Speaks puzzle piece decal on legislators’ office doors at the State House is just one of many initiatives planned during the month of April to raise autism awareness.  On April 2,  World Autism Awareness Day, the Statehouse joined national and international landmarks, buildings, schools and neighborhoods across the world in a widespread effort to “light it up blue” in support of those on the autism spectrum.  In addition, autism advocates, individuals and families impacted by autism will meet with elected leaders at the annual Autism Awareness Day at the Statehouse on April 15. 

“We are very thankful to Representative Gregoire for joining this effort to raise autism awareness in April,” said Russ Kenn, Executive Director of the New England chapter of Autism Speaks.  “Our goal is to change the future for those who struggle with autism and unfortunately, that number is growing significantly.  We want to help each individual reach their potential and this initiative is part of doing that.”

To learn more about autism and ways you can make a difference in this cause, please visit autismspeaks.org.

Submitted by Rep. Gregoire's Office.