County to hold symposium on autism on Oct. 20

Goshen — The Orange County Department of Mental Health’s Developmental Disabilities Division is working in partnership with the Orange-Ulster Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) to sponsor a major education and awareness event on Oct. 20 titled “Autism in Orange County - A Symposium and Exposition for Our Community.” This announcement was made by Orange County Executive Edward A. Diana and Commissioner of Mental Health Chris Ashman. The program will be held at the BOCES Education Center on Gibson Road in Goshen, from 9 a.m. to -5 p.m., and will offer a variety of topics presented by nationally recognized speakers. There will also be an exposition of vendors and services related to autism which will run on-site from noon to 5 p.m. that same day. The target audience for this event includes, but is not limited to, families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders, neighbors and friends, medical professionals, emergency personnel, clinicians, direct care providers, therapists, and educators of all types. Autism is a growing epidemic that is estimated to affect one in every 150 children in the United States. Orange County has a large number of individuals and families affected by this disability that generally appears between 15 and 20 months of age, but is sometimes present at birth. Children do not outgrow autism. There is no cure. It is a lifelong developmental disability with a normal life expectancy. In the United States approximately one and a half million individuals live with autism. Diana encourages all persons with an interest in autism to plan to attend the October conference when the community will unite to bring greater awareness, understanding, support, and acceptance of this lifelong developmental disability. On-site child care will be available for a limited number of children on the spectrum and their siblings with pre-registration. Registration is now open. Visit www.orangecountynyddconnection.com. Questions should be directed to Delores Fraser McFadden, Director of Developmental Disabilities Services in the County Mental Health Department at 291-2620 or dmcfadden@co.orange.ny.us.