Miami News

Commissioner Diaz hosting Autism Awareness Month kickoff event

Miami-Dade County Commissioner Jose “Pepe” Diaz will kick off Autism Awareness Month on Tuesday, April 18 at 11:30 a.m. in the lobby of the Stephen P. Clark Center, 111 NW 1 St

This year’s theme is “My Journey to Independence.” Keynote speaker Gabriel Alfonso who is also  a student at Marino Campus Miami, will discuss achieving independence through employment. This will be the focus of an interactive display produced by The Dan Marino Foundation and Marino Campus. It will be featuring information on other organizations including Autism Speaks and South Florida Autism Charter School.

Commissioner Diaz sponsored the 2009 County Commission resolution http://www.miamidade.gov/govaction/matter.asp?matter=090854&file=true&yearFolder=Y2009  declaring April as Autism Awareness Month in Miami-Dade County. Since then he has been hosting the annual kickoff event. The specially designated month is designed to increase awareness about autism as well as treatment. It also serves as a reminder to encourage early testing for children.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, autism is a complex neurobiological disorder. It impairs communication skills and social abilities. There is no known cause or cure for autism, which is estimated to affect 1 out of every 68 children born in the United States.


WHO: Miami-Dade County Commissioner Jose “Pepe” Diaz
Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez and members of the Board of County Commissioners
The Dan Marino Foundation
Autism Speaks
South Florida Autism Charter School

WHAT: Autism Awareness Month kickoff event

WHEN: Tuesday, April 18 at 11:30 a.m.

WHERE: Stephen P. Clark Center lobby, 111 NW 1st ST. Miami , FL 33128

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