Autism Awareness Month: 'This is a Public Health Crisis'

Eno Memorial Hall will serve as a local reminder about autism after April was declared Autism Awareness Month in Simsbury.

Selectman Shannon Knall, who has an autistic son, was joined by First Selectman Mary Glassman, Deputy First Selectman Lisa Heavner, Selectman Sean Askham, Rep. John Hampton (16th Dist.—D), Senator Chris Murphy (Conn.—D), and Congresswoman Elizabeth Esty were joined by a small group in front of Eno Memorial Hall Monday morning to join the kick off for National Autism Awareness Month.

Knall is the founder of the Well-Served Tennis Academy, a local summer camp for autistic children, and is an advocate for autistic individuals and their families.

Knall told the group that 1 in 50 children will be diagnosed with autism.

"When my son was diagnosed 7 years ago the numbers were 1 in 250," Knall said. "This is a public health crisis."

The group works to address issues related to autism including, education, awareness, housing, and lifetime care.

"I'm so proud of our community for being able to support our families," Knall said.

Eno Memorial Hall will have blue lights in front of the building during the month of April to raise awareness about Autism and the many issues surrounding the disorder.

For more information about autism and Autism Awareness Month, visit the Autism Speaks website.