Beech Tree News Network

Autism Awareness Money was held in April and the Butler County School District took part in the month-long observance.  Dr. Carrie Pritchard, a behavioral therapist with CLIK - Community Living in Kentucky, spoke about autism at Butler County Middle School during a school-wide assembly  on April 18.

Dr. Pritchard described autism as a brain/genetic disorder that causes, among other things, sights and sounds to be overwhelming.  This contributes to social isolation as people tend to avoid those with differences.  Dr. Pritchard indicated that students with autism can face difficult challenges in a school setting. 
"Sometimes they don't know how to interact socially or how to talk to others," said Pritchard.  "This isolation can lead to bullying." 
According to Dr. Pritchard, autism affects 1 in 88 teens overall and 1 in 54 boys.

Pritchard said those with autism have "impressive differences" that can lead to incredible knowledge about favorite topics and amazing memorization skills.
"Be a friend, accept us.  Let us know nicely if we are bugging you.  Ask us to do things with you," said Pritchard, describing how others should relate to individuals with autism.  

The school also sold t-shirts, handed out bracelets, and released balloons to raise awareness of autism.