By: Nicole Acker

Menlo Park police officers will wear an autism awareness pin on their uniforms recognizing April as National Autism Awareness Month. Every day, the millions of Americans living with autism and their families face unique and overwhelming challenges. A 2016 autism prevalence report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 1 in 68 children in the United States fall within the autism spectrum disorder. This estimate makes it clear that autism affects the lives of millions of Americans – our friends, neighbors, colleagues and family members. 

National Autism Awareness Month is a chance to raise awareness and educate the public about autism. Autism is a complex mental condition and developmental disability, characterized by difficulties in the way a person communicates and interacts with other people. Make a difference! Spread the word and encourage communities, organizations, families and individuals to get involved and learn more about autism.