Western New Mexico University celebrates the "W.N.M.U. Autism Awareness Week" During April

Category: Local News Releases Local News Releases
Published: 07 April 2018 07 April 2018

Silver City, NM – The School of Social Work at Western New Mexico University will launch several awareness activities to commemorate National Autism Awareness Month (NAAM) the first week of April 2018!

Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental disability that typically appears during the first two years of life and affects a person's ability to communicate and interact with others. Autism is defined by a certain set of behaviors and is a "spectrum disorder" meaning that it affects individuals differently and to varying degrees. There is no known single cause for autism, but increased awareness and funding can help families today.

This April, the Silver City Autism Awareness Group is collaborating with Western New Mexico University and the W.N.M.U. School of Social Work to focus on raising awareness through education and fostering a supportive and inclusive community for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their loved ones.

There are several ways you can get involved in the month's activities and learn more about what it means to live with ASD. Here are a few:

  • WNMU and the School of Social Work will be hosting an Autism First Responder Training on April 4, from 1 to 4 PM at the Global Resource Center in the Auditorium. For more information, call 575-654-6587, or email silvercityautismawareness@gmail.com
  • The Silver City Autism Awareness Walk will be happening April 14, 2018 from 10 to 3 pm. The event will be held at Fox Field-2884 N. Swan Street in Silver City, N.M. 88061.
  • Put on the Puzzle! The Autism Awareness Puzzle Ribbon is the most recognized symbol in the autism community in the world. This month, we encourage all friends and advocates to wear their puzzle ribbons in a display of support.
  • For more information and updates about any of these activities, please visit and "LIKE" our Facebook page Silver City Autism Awareness Walk.

The Silver City Autism Awareness Group and the W.N.M.U. School of Social Work will also provide content throughout the month on critical issues facing the autism community, specifically inclusion in employment and community living, as well as how communities can better address wandering in people with ASDs.

To learn more about the Silver City Autism Awareness Walk and other events planned for W.N.M.U.'s Autism Awareness Week, please contact Amaris Fay at silvercityautismawareness@gmail.com

About National Autism Awareness Month: Established in the 1970s to highlight the growing need for concern and awareness about autism, April is a special opportunity for everyone to educate the public about autism and issues within the autism community. Autism affects 1 in 68 children born in America today; the need for services and supports is greater than ever.

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