Miami News

13th Inspiring Autism Awareness Month was inaugurated by Chairman Pepe Diaz

Celebrations for Autism Awareness Month featured some very special individuals and members of the community

Every year since 2009, April has been Miami-Dade’s official Autism Awareness Month as a way to bring awareness about and attention to an incredibly important cause. This year was no different, as Chairman Pepe Diaz of District 12, alongside the Dan Marino Foundation, and the South Florida Autism Charter School, unveiled an exhibit together.

Details about the Autism Awareness Month Exhibit

The exhibit was unveiled on Tuesday, April 12, 2022, at 12:30 p.m. at the Stephen P. Clark Government Center Lobby, 111 NW 1st St., Miami, FL 33128, where it was open for the public to come and visit.

Jacob Velazquez, a talented musician and pianist with autism, once more on stage. This year he was joined by his younger sister, Skylar Rae Velazquez. Skylar also has autism. The brilliant duo was singing at the event, sharing their incredible talents with the audience.

In addition to that, the Pledge of Allegiance was led by the amazing students from the South Florida Autism Charter School, which has been working to educate, empower, and support students with autism and their families for a long time.

Autism Awareness

The event also featured artwork and pieces from the Miami Urban Contemporary Experience’s previous exhibits.

Other commissioners, namely County Commissioner Raquel Regalado and Vice-Chairman Oliver G. Gilbert, III, each of whom is a parent of children with autism, were also talking about their experiences at the event.

The need for campaigns and education

According to the CDC, autism affects 1 in 59 children in the US and leads to difficulties with communication and social skills. Without adequate support, education, and awareness about this developmental and behavioral disorder, children continue to suffer, feel isolated, and bullied by peers, and their families and caregivers cannot support them as needed. The more we talk about it and come together as a community to help those around us, the easier it gets for everyone.

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