Autism Delaware hosting month of activities throughout Delaware

Autism Delaware is celebrating Autism Awareness Month through Saturday, April 30, with at least one event every day somewhere in the state.

The organization's biggest event will be the 10th annual Walk for Autism Saturday, April 16, at Cape Henlopen State Park. Executive director Teresa Avery said participants will attempt to set a Guinness Book World Record by forming the largest human puzzle piece – a puzzle piece is part of the Autism Delaware logo. The walk begins at 11 a.m., with check-in beginning at 9 a.m.

The Walk for Autism, like all the events held during Autism Awareness Month, is designed to create public awareness, Avery said.

“The whole point of this is to let more families know we are here to provide services and support,” she said.

On Saturday, April 23, Autism Delaware will host the Wilmington Walk for Autism at Fox Point State Park. At that event, Autism Delaware is organizing an effort to set another Guinness Book World Record – the longest double high-five line. Check-in begins at 9 a.m., with the world record attempt set for 10:45 and the walk begins at 11.

Autism Delaware has offices in Lewes, Dover and Newark. The organization held 220 family support events last year, from coffee hours and support groups to bounce nights and camp.

Through its adult vocational service POW&R Autism Delaware is able to connect adults with autism to more than 75 partner businesses in Delaware. Avery said the adult vocational services serve 127 clients.

“We're really lucky that the community has been incredible in supporting families with autism,” she said.

One in 68 children is diagnosed with autism. Avery said 1,660 children in Delaware public schools have an educational classification of autism. She said the statistic is only limited to public school children and does not include private or home-schooled children or children with high-functioning autism, previously known as Aspergers syndrome.

“We are very proudly a community-based organization, so not a lot necessarily goes on in the office,” she said. “Everything that goes on is out in the community, where we're partnering with businesses for vocational opportunities and for social-recreational opportunities. The goal is to give families with autism connection to that community, not just to us.”

Autism Delaware's Family Support Services received 1,463 parent phone calls in 2015, she said.

To learn more about Autism Delaware and its Autism Awareness Month activities, go to www.delautism.org.