Serving proudly since 1873 as the beautiful Nebraska Panhandle's first newspaper
Serving proudly since 1873 as the beautiful Nebraska Panhandle's first newspaper
April is Autism Awareness Month and Sidney Public Schools (SPS) Special Education Program has partnered with area businesses to help promote awareness and education in the community.
According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), autism is a pervasive developmental disorder that involves abnormal development and function of the brain. Those with autism show decreased social communication skills and restricted or repetitive patterns of behaviors or interests.
CDC Prevention issued a report in 2014 concluding that autism has risen to one in every 68 births in the United States, a significant increase from the 1-in-125 births cited in the center’s 2004 study.
Nationally Certified School Psychologist and K-4 Special Education Coordinator Angie Jacobsen said more than 30 students in the SPS system are identified as having autism.
With a list of organized events throughout the month of April, Jacobsen hopes to further education, awareness and parent networking.
“Sidney is such a great community, where we can come together and build awareness and support,” Jacobsen said.
The month will kick-off with a Walk For Autism and Light it Up Blue event in Sidney's Legion park on Sunday at 4 p.m. The walk will be an open-ended walk around Cabela's pond, with prizes, cake and blue light bulbs available for purchase at the event. Dairy Queen in Sidney will also light up blue in honor of Autism Awareness.
“Blue has been the designated color for autism,” Jacobsen said.
Celebrating the season, there will be a free community Easter egg hunt on April 8 at 10 a.m. in Legion Park for those with autism, developmental disabilities, physical disabilities or special needs.
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