Teresa Avery, Executive Director of Autism Delaware, returned in time for April’s Autism Awareness Month, the time to learn more about Autism Spectrum Disorder. Teresa discussed the services offered by Autism Delaware, including Family Navigators, who can help the family wind their way through evaluations, programs, educational and benefit applications and other services, and POW&R, Productive Opportunities for Work and Recreation, serving adults with ASD. Working with area businesses, POW&R develops jobs and volunteer opportunities for adults to earn, learn work and social skills and contribute to the community. Autism Delaware coordinates social events throughout the year for families, including movies, bowling and other activities to allow families to enjoy down time and to meet other families with ASD. They were a consultant for the new New Castle Route 9 Library, helping design the first dedicated Sensory Room in a public library. With one in 68 children diagnosed with ASD (1 in 44 for boys) and 2,109 students with Autism enrolled in DE schools today, Autism Delaware is also an advocate, fighting for services, education and job opportunities and funding for housing and Medicare.
Volunteers – individuals and businesses – are needed to help with social events, job, intern and volunteer opportunities.
Learn more about Autism Delaware at DELAUTISM.ORG.