Sen. Welch joins Autism Speaks in Shining a Light on Autism in April

Sen. Jason Welch celebrating Autism Awareness Day along with Allison Willette and her brother Aidan at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford.

Hartford, CT – In honor of Autism Awareness Month this April, Senator Jason Welch (R-Bristol) will display an Autism Speaks decal on his office door, joining individuals and families in Bristol, Plymouth, Plainville, Thomaston and Harwinton and across the world, as well as colleagues at the Connecticut General Assembly, in a global initiative to bring attention to Autism.

Autism is the fastest growing serious developmental disability in the United States; it was recently announced by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that one in every 68 children is diagnosed with Autism, including one in every 42 boys.

“Our state is a national leader in diagnosing, treating and caring for autism patients. Bringing awareness in any way that I can – whether displaying a puzzle piece on my office door or hosting a constituent diagnosed with Autism at the Capitol – I believe will further the cause and show the community that those on the Autism spectrum have potential to thrive in school, at home and at work,” said Sen. Welch.

The display of the Autism Speaks puzzle piece decal on legislators’ office doors at the Legislative Office Building is just one of many initiatives planned during the month of April to raise autism awareness. Today, World Autism Awareness Day, the General Assembly welcomed autism self-advocates, supporters and individuals and families impacted by autism to the Capitol.

“We are very thankful to Sen. Welch for joining this effort to raise autism awareness in April,” said Russ Kenn, Executive Director of the New England chapter of Autism Speaks. “Our goal is to change the future for those who struggle with autism and unfortunately, that number is growing significantly. We want to help each individual reach their potential and this initiative is part of doing that.”

To learn more about autism and ways you can make a difference in this cause, please visit www.autismspeaks.org.