SOUTHEAST- Autism has increased by 175 percent during the past decade with one in thirty-six children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder while one in forty-five adults being diagnosed as well.
The disability is nearly four times more common among boys than among girls with the increase in diagnoses among young adults suggesting that people may be going undiagnosed in childhood, only receiving identification in early adulthood when challenges in daily life become too difficult to manage. This trend highlights the importance of accessible services across the lifespan and the need for age-appropriate interventions and support for those on the spectrum.
Putnam County officials are aware of the situation and on Sunday in conjunction with the Community Engagement and Police Advisory Board (CEPAB) will be offering an Awareness Walk at Tilly Foster Farm in Southeast.
Organizers also include the Putnam County Department of Mental Health’s Office for Individuals with Disabilities along with the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department.
Sara Servadio, Putnam County Commissioner for the Departments of Mental Health, Social Services and Youth Bureau, explained that the “walk will highlight what we represent in Putnam County, a support for individuals of all abilities, especially those with autism. It is an event we are immensely proud to be holding.”
Dana Touponse, Coordinator of Putnam County’s Office for Individuals with Disabilities said she, too was “excited to not only be bringing our first autism walk to Putnam County, but also the ability to surround our families with much needed county resources at the event,” adding: “Putnam County is home to a plethora of resources for individuals with autism and this walk is the opportunity to bring them all together for our community.”
County Executive Kevin Byrne also chimed in: “The Autism Awareness Walk is another step toward making our community more inclusive and accessible for residents of all abilities.”
The walk, which will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., aims to celebrate and support Putnam’s neuro-diverse community while raising awareness about autism.
Proceeds from the walk will help fund the creation of a sensory playground—a safe, inclusive space designed for children of all abilities.
It was Scott Rhodes, co-founder of CEPAB, who initially brought the idea of the walk to life. Rhodes is the parent of a child with autism.
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