By: Nicole Ford
Posted: Apr 12, 2017 07:43 PM EDT
Updated: Apr 12, 2017 08:49 PM EDT
GREENVILLE, Pitt County – According to the Centers for Disease Control, every one in 68 children have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Here in Eastern North Carolina, the Autism Society serves 105 clients ranging from toddler to adult.
Autism Spectrum Disorder is defined as a developmental disability that can cause significant social, communication and behavioral challenges. But Holly Akin with the Autism Society says that no child is the same.
“They just process things differently so sometimes may not understand that or communicate a little bit different but they want to be part of the community go to the gym with their peers just like we do they want to be able to hold jobs and build upon skills they may have,” Akin said.
Akin says they have different activities to help their clients build those skills, whether it’s working with touch in the sensory room or learning tasks that would help a person keep a job. She says this month is not so much about awareness of the disorder but acceptance and understanding of the people who have it.
The Autism Society is hosting its 9th annual run-walk at Greenville’s Town Common on April 29.