April proclaimed Autism Awareness Month in Butler Co.

Fri, 04/01/2016 - 11:59am — Sam Osborne

Blue balloons float into sky following Morgantown and Butler County's Autism Proclamation Ceremony Friday.

Blue balloons floated into the sky Friday morning in front of the Butler County Courthouse. The sea of blue signified the City of Morgantown and Butler County's commitment to proclaim April as National Autism Awareness Month.

"From my perspective, this is something that has to be done, needs to be done, should’ve been done. From this point forward we will do this every year," Morgantown Mayor Billy Phelps said to a large crowd gathered at the Butler County Courthouse lawn Friday morning.

Phelps said Angie Burden has been influential in speading awareness of autism, and more importantly educating about breaking down the stigma of the disease, in the Butler County community.

"We have so many children that are affected, one out of 68 are affected. My son is 15 and has autism. It’s a way for our whole community and county to become more aware of autism," Burden said. "It’s mainly just putting awareness out there telling people they may be a little different, but don’t count them out," Burden said. "They have a lot that they can contribute."