TOWN OF SOUTHEAST – The weather forecaster cooperated Sunday as Putnam’s 2nd Annual Autistic Awareness Walk was about to get underway rain stopped and the sun shone behind dark clouds as more than 1.500 men, women and children participated at the Tilly Foster Farm in Southeast.
The Community Engagement and Police Advisory Board (CEPAB) working in conjunction with the Putnam County Department of Mental Health’s Office for Individuals with disabilities in the event organized by the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department.
Sara Servadio, Putnam County commissioner for the Departments of Mental Health, Social Services and Youth Bureau, was thrilled with the turnout. “Our walk showcased what we represent in Putnam County, a support for individuals of all abilities, especially those with autism. It is an event we are enormously proud to hold. Today was a wonderful example of community being inclusive for those individuals living with autism. Inclusion is everyone’s right, and I’m proud of our participants and vendors for their support.”
Dana Touponse, coordinator of Putnam County’s Office for Individuals with Disabilities said she, too was “excited to not only be bringing the autism walk to Putnam County, but also the ability to surround families with much needed county resources. 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. It was an honor to work alongside CEPAB and Sheriff Brian Hess on this event.”
Over the last 10 years, autism diagnoses have risen by 75 percent. Currently, autism spectrum disorder is found in approximately one out of every 36 children and one in every 45 adults.
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.
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