VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — You may have noticed a blue hue around town since last night.
That’s because many places are lighting it up blue for autism awareness.
April has been National Autism Awareness Month since 1970.
Our understanding of autism spectrum disorder continues to evolve as research expands. Right now the CDC estimates autism affects one in 59 children.
Millions of people are on the autism spectrum, children and adults alike, but local resources can help families tackle the challenges this diagnosis brings.
At the Tidewater Autism Society you’ll meet great people and support groups that can help you understand how this can change your life.
“As dads, we might have some dreams about our kids when we were young, and when the kids come along they might not be what we’re expecting, but there are some other things to discover about your kid so,” said Diego Zuniga.
When Zuniga’s son Thomas was born that dream came true, but at 3 years old they noticed something different.
“We agreed to go check him at the program in Newport News and they confirmed it.”
He said that’s when they learned their son was on the spectrum.
“This is a condition that lasts the whole life and every stage in life has different challenges, different things that you wish the kid was doing, but comes out he is doing other things that are equally marvelous,” he said.
Diego says his 12-year-old son is excelling, but there are still hurdles.
“As life progresses he needs to use more elaborate language, there is more no verbal language that his peers are using and he is not catching up with some of those,” he said.
But with help from the Tidewater Autism Society, they’ll beat the hurdles.
Resource Coordinator Nicole Miller also has a son on the spectrum. She says this is an excellent resource for anyone with questions about the disorder
“It’s a great balance to be a mom and still give him what he needs, but still give the community what they need,” said Miller,
Diego says awareness is the beginning. It’s society’s responsibility to take it further.
“We need to learn to understand others, and this is an example. There are other people with different disabilities, but it is the same message, we’re different but we are just humans,” Zuniga said.
This community has a lot of events coming up this month, such as fundraisers, support groups, a 5k and so much more. If you are interested or want more information, click here.
