April 2nd is World Autism Awareness Day
World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD), celebrated each year on April 2, was adopted by the United Nations in 2007 to shine a bright light on autism as a growing global health crisis. Autism is one of only three health issues to be recognized with its own day by the United Nations. WAAD activities increase world knowledge of autism and impart information about the importance of early diagnosis and early intervention. Additionally, WAAD celebrates the unique talents and skills of persons with autism around the world. The month of April has also been designated as Autism Awareness Month.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex developmental disability; signs typically appear during early childhood and affect a person’s ability to communicate, and interact with others. ASD is defined by a certain set of behaviors and is a “spectrum condition” that affects individuals differently and to varying degrees. There is no known single cause of autism, but increased awareness and early diagnosis and intervention and access to appropriate services/supports lead to significantly improved outcomes. Some of the behaviors associated with autism include delayed learning of language; difficulty making eye contact or holding a conversation; difficulty with executive functioning, which relates to reasoning and planning; narrow, intense interests; poor motor skills and sensory sensitivities. Again, a person on the spectrum might follow many of these behaviors or just a few, or many others besides. The diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder is applied based on analysis of all behaviors and their severity.
The Gardena Police Department is currently training officers on how to deal with individuals with autism and other mental or developmental disabilities. During the month of April, GPD personnel will be receiving numerous training snippets which focus specifically on autism related issues. Today, Day Shift Patrol Officers and other GPD personnel will be wearing light blue wristbands in support of individuals with autism and their support groups.
Address/Location
Gardena Police Department
1718 W 162nd St
Gardena, CA 90247
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 310-217-9670
Lieutenant Vince Osorio
Patrol/District 3 Commander
[email protected]
310-217-9612