Autism Awareness Day a Success

Children enjoyed many activities including free crafts, face painting and visits with the beloved children’s book character, Curious George. The morning featured a performance by Kids on the Block, a troupe of puppets with and without disabilities who teach audience members of all ages about differences in people. Barber National Institute therapy dogs Gino, a four-year-old Dogue de Bordeaux, and Emma, a two-year-old Shih Tzu, greeted children and joined them for story time.

Staff and professionals from the Barber National Institute provided information for parents and answered questions about autism, which affects more children than diabetes, AIDS, cancer, cerebral palsy, cystic fibrosis, muscular dystrophy or Down syndrome – combined.

Thank you to those volunteers who made this day a success, especially the Millcreek Mall for hosting our event, and to students at LECOM, members of Lake Erie PRIDE and cheerleaders from Erie Explosion who volunteered with crafts, face painting and other activities.

Events to promote autism awareness will be held throughout the Erie area during the month of April. Click here to view more events.