Hays County Commissioners Court Proclaims April As Autism Awareness Month

Hays County Courthouse, San Marcos, TX (April 15) – The Hays County Commissioners Court proclaimed April as Autism Awareness Month in Hays County at its April 9 meeting and called upon residents to increase understanding and acceptance of people with autism spectrum disorder.

According to the proclamation, autism affects an estimated 1 in 59 children (1 in 37 boys and 1 in 151 girls) and is a complex disorder that affects each person differently, resulting in unique strengths and challenges.

Autism can cause challenges with verbal and nonverbal communication, social interaction, and repetitive behaviors, and can affect anyone regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, or socioeconomic background. It can also be accompanied by medical conditions that impact quality of life.

Early diagnosis and intervention tailored to individual needs can have lifelong benefits, easing the transition to adulthood and fostering greater independence. And, each person and family affected by autism should have access to reliable information, support, and opportunities to live up to their greatest potential, according to the proclamation.