Politicians, Locals Participate In Event
Advocates, educators, parents and elected officials joined in front of the Unisphere at Flushing Meadows-Corona Park last Sunday, Apr. 1 for a lighting ceremony designed to raise awareness for autism.
The Illuminate the Unisphere for Autism Awareness Project was the result of the collaborative efforts of “Autism Storybook Mom” Annette Schroter, and Leslie Grubler of the United New York Early Intervention Providers (UNYEIP).
Due to inclement weather, the event was later moved to the nearby Queens Museum of Art.
“My daughter, Kate, was evaluated for Early Intervention services at the age of 15 months but did not receive a diagnosis of Autism until she was 2 1/2 years old,” said Schroter. “In an effort to raise awareness that girls have autism too, I created Autism Story Book. It is a place for families to share their daughter’s story.”
“It was my dream to light the Unisphere for Autism Awareness,” she added. “I am so thankful for all of the support for our First Annual Illuminate the Unisphere event. Families need this information to recognize the early warning signs and get help for their child as soon as possible.”
“A child is a child is a child no matter what part of the world we reside in,” stated Grubler. “Societal impact is significant when any member of our world-family receives the diagnosis of autism. Queens is the melting pot of the world-when Queens speaks, the world speaks. Our goal in this endeavor is that you, and you, and you simply listen and boldly act.”
Autism is often characterized, in varying degrees, by difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviors. Research suggests that children as young as one year old can show signs of autism, making access to Early Intervention services critical. Research shows that girls, especially those without cognitive impairment, may be formally identified at a later age than boys. This may delay referral for early intervention. Today, advocates highlight not only awareness about Autism, but the special needs of identifying autism in girls.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently released new statistic showing that Autism affects 1 in 88 American children, up for the previous estimate of 1 in 110. Federal health officials believe this increase is due to wider screening, improved diagnosis and awareness. It is critical that children showing early signs of the disease have access to support services and early intervention programs parents with children who may have Autism learn the developmental milestones for their children in order to diagnose them early on.
“My four cousins that have autism have inspired me to raise awareness about the disorder and to incorporate it into my platform as Miss New York USA,” said Miss New York USA Johanna Sambucini, who was present for the lighting. “I am proud to be here today speaking out on behalf of my cousins and all of New York’s children with Autism.”
“I am proud that the Unisphere, bathed in blue light, has been chosen to help illuminate understanding and increase awareness of autism. Raising awareness and understanding will help to increase the number of individuals who seek help early on and thereby generate earlier diagnoses and improved outcomes,” said Queens Borough President Helen Marshall. “Autism is a worldwide health issue that also affects Queens County, home to America’s most diverse population. “
“It is so important to continue to shine a light on Autism in order to promote understanding and awareness,” added City Council Member Karen Koslowitz. “I applaud Autism Storybook Mom and United New York Early Intervention Providers for their leadership in bringing to fruition the first annual illumination of the Unisphere for Autism Awareness Month.”
