Celebrate Autism Awareness Month

April is always a special month for me and my family—it’s Autism Awareness Month. Since my daughter’s diagnosis back in 2003, we have always used this month to show people how proud we are of Annie, and use it as an opportunity to bring awareness to this puzzling disorder. We display a blue porch light (in honor of Light It Up Blue), we proudly show our Autism Awareness flag, and Annie’s brothers (Danny, 15 and Ryan, 12) try to wear an autism shirt every day of the month.

This year, in my role as Devereux Pennsylvania’s Director of Family & Community Services, I will once again visit our local centers, delivering Autism Awareness ribbons, blue light bulbs and Light It Up Blue signs. When I think about this past year, I am so proud and grateful for the progress Annie has made in her school program at Devereux CARES. This past year was an important one for Annie and for our family. She turned 14, and began transition planning planning for the day when she is 22 and no longer in school. She recently started her very first job, restocking breakfast at a local senior center once a week. She has found so much pride in her new job—even wearing the hairnet and gloves!

I remember when she was five and just began school… I cried when they sent home her first art project. I never imagined I would see the day when she started her first job. These are the things that Devereux brings to families continual hope, and dreams even parents may not dare to imagine. Celebrate Autism Awareness Month this April with your friends and families and celebrate the daily miracles.

~ Amy Kelly, Director of Family & Community Services, Devereux PA

Autism Awareness Month Stories

Read touching tributes to Devereux, written by individuals served by Devereux and their families, about how Devereux has made a positive impact on their lives.

Autism A-Z: Beyond the Puzzle
Implementing Evidence-Based Practices Through Family-Provider Partnerships

When: Friday, September 30, 2016 from 9:00 a.m. 4:30 p.m.
Where: Chase Center on the Riverfront, Wilmington, DE 19801

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		Devereux Center for Resilient Children launches ‘Building Your Bounce’ online adult resilience course The Devereux Center for Resilient Children has launched a new online learning course, titled “Building Your Bounce: Promoting Adult Resilience.” This self-paced course is designed to help teachers and other child-serving professionals who educate, and care for, young children (birth through preschool) discover ways to nurture their resilience and manage stress more effectively.
		Autism Spectrum News features Devereux article on how to support families with autism An article written by Devereux National Director of Family Engagement Amy Kelly, MBA, MNM, was recently featured in Autism Spectrum News. In the article – “Awareness and acceptance: 10 things I wish everyone understood about autism” – Kelly reflects on her family’s experiences over the past 20 years since her daughter, Annie, was diagnosed with autism. She also shares a few things she wishes everyone knew about autism and how to offer support.
		‘Sunday Jazz with Wynton Marsalis’ event raises more than $110,000 for Devereux NY Devereux recently hosted an intimate concert – “Sunday Jazz with Wynton Marsalis” – at the home of Devereux New York family member Merritt Lutz, who also serves on the Devereux New York City Advisory Board, to raise critical funds for the organization’s music therapy program.