Autism awareness event seeks to level the playing field
Apr. 13—Spring festival season is in full swing as outdoor events are scattered around town seemingly every weekend for the foreseeable future.
One scheduled for next week seeks to educate the public on autism while also using art to celebrate those living with the developmental disability.
Multiple Georgia College & State University offices have partnered up with the Baldwin County Life Enrichment Center (LEC) to create an autism awareness event set for Friday, April 19, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the LEC's urban arts village. The urban arts village is located at 224 E. Walton St. behind New City Church at the Mill, which is near the railroad tracks on North Jefferson Street.
The free event will include an artisan market, music, educational resources, craft-making activities, and more as organizers hope to show the community that the world is "Stronger Together" when people with developmental and intellectual disabilities like autism are placed on the same level as those without.
LEC Executive Director Barbara Coleman said today's youth can serve as a turning point in that ongoing battle, so a lot that's going on Friday will be geared toward kids.
"It's my belief that if we educate the younger generation to see that we're stronger together and more alike than different, we can change the mindset of the world," said Coleman.
Change occurs when people with differences interact with one another in meaningful ways, so that's the type of event that has been put together. Everyone can enjoy drum circles, food, coffee, crafts and artwork created by local individuals on the autism spectrum.
"We really are looking forward to showcasing the talents and abilities of performers, artists and other individuals who are on the spectrum, without labeling them," Coleman added. "Music and art are forms of media that put everybody on the same playing field. They allow everybody to express themselves, no matter what their abilities are."
There will even be an opportunity for everyone in attendance to contribute to finishing a community mural that once complete will serve as a visual reminder of the beauty that can be created when everyone puts aside differences and works together.
Helping out with the event is the GCSU Center for Health & Social Issues under the direction of Dr. Damian Francis. He recently shared a little more about the awareness component and why his office got involved.
"Autism is a neurobiological developmental disability that's usually diagnosed before age 3," Francis said. "It affects people's ability to function, communicate and lead healthy lives as adults. As the center that deals with health issues, we thought it would be important to highlight early recognition of this condition because the earlier it is recognized, the more we can do to ensure that these individuals face [fewer] complications related to the diagnosis."
Early recognition is achieved through screening and being aware of signs and symptoms that present with autism. Some Francis shared include the inability to maintain eye contact, difficulty regulating volume when speaking, as well as not starting or taking turns in conversation.
"Those are some critical things you want to look for," he said. "We want parents, guardians, adults and teachers to be aware of some of these behaviors and signs of autism so that the appropriate interventions can be put in place ... Right now 1 in 36 children is affected by autism, yet it is one of the most under-funded conditions in terms of research and resources for parents. It can be a significant burden on parents and caregivers. One of the things we want to do is highlight and advocate for resources either through philanthropic gifts to entities like the Life Enrichment Center or national organizations like Autism Speaks so we can provide more resources for these individuals."
Friday will mark the second time this event is being put on. Organizers hope to keep it going annually to keep raising awareness.
