This year’s World Autism Day will be celebrated April 2. In honor of this special day, the Mohawk Valley Rotary club hosted guest speakers Monalisa Fermin-Fennell and Tammy Helmer-Bergen from ARC Herkimer. Monalisa Fermin-Fennell, Outreach Development Coordinator at ARC Herkimer discussed programs that are offered for children on the spectrum locally. Autism affects approximately one out of every 150 children around the world.
Tammy Helmer-Bergen who is the Guardianship and Spirituality Coordinator said, “Autism is no longer classified as a single disorder, but rather an entire spectrum ranging in severity.” Bergen also said, “It is a neural development disorder that affects their ability to socialize normally by impacting their abilities to utilize verbal and non-verbal communication.”
The entire month of April is dedicated to Autism Awareness and people are encouraged to wear blue and be All in for Autism! For more information on being a guest speaker at Mohawk Valley Rotary, contact us on our Facebook page. Our Club meets on Tuesday’s at noon at PK’s in Herkimer.