In spite of a wet forecast for Friday, April 3, the afternoon clouds over the Cape May County Special Services School parking lot cleared just enough for millions of bubbles to make their way toward the sky. Each one represented a wish of hope for the mil-lions of individuals and their families affected by autism.
The Blowing Bubbles for Autism event is held every year to draw attention to a serious developmental disorder that affects more children than cancer and diabetes combined. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is now considered to be the third most common develop-mental disability. It inhibits a person’s ability to communicate, respond to their surroundings or to build relationships with others, and one in 150 children in the United States are diagnosed with the disorder.
Together, Ocean Academy and the Special Services High School serve about 50 individuals with autism in Cape May County.
One of the biggest challenges for teachers and parents of autistic children is finding ways to reach them. There is no known medical cure or treatment for the disorder, but teacher Lorraine Matthews says that working with the children at Ocean Academy is very rewarding.
“It’s neat that you can go into their world and draw them out,” she said.
The bubble-blowing event seemed to work in that respect.
For about an hour, students danced to music like “We’re All in this Together,” while blowing bubbles and chasing them around the parking lot in the company of their teachers, families and friends.
In addition, students from both schools made presentations and recited poems reminding those at the event that people with autism are “just like you.” They have talents and feelings and obstacles to overcome, just like everyone else.
Blowing Bubbles for Autism is an annual event, held every April in recognition of National Autism Awareness Month by FACES Autism Support Network, a non-profit that offers information and assistance to people with autism and their families. FACES meets at 6:30 p.m. at Ocean Academy the first Monday of every month. For more information, contact Linda at 609-465-0086.
Lower Township – Who are these people that are obvious experts on trash cans and leaf pick-up? Maybe they don't have any trash to put out or leaves in their yard!!
