“We’re all probably going to have to work with someone eventually who has a touch of [the intelligence or indulgence]. The percentages are increasing of people diagnosed with autism, but mainly because we are doing a better job diagnosing it. I think it’s important to know how to treat people,” Matt Milazzo, transition coordinator, said.

Approximately 1 in 68 children is diagnosed with Autism every year. Autism is a chronic, incurable disorder that impairs the ability to communicate and interact.

“One of the biggest things about autism is that when you meet someone with autism, you’ve only seen one form of autism,” Milazzo said. “It’s kind of like a fingerprint in that no two people are alike.”

Autism is a spectrum disorder that affects brain development.. The disorder in more common in boys than in girls.

“It’s a spectrum disorder, which means you will have some people that are highly intelligent, and some people who you would consider to be a bit quirkier, who would now be diagnosed with asperger’s (highly intelligent, very focused) to the other end of the spectrum where they cannot live on their own. Being able to understand the range of the spectrum and how it affects people is really important for everyone to understand and see how their brains function. Sometimes it takes them a minute to process information just because of the way their brain processes the information (not because they’re slow or nonindulgent) that’s just the way it is,” Milazzo said.

While public buildings and monuments are celebrating Autism Awareness month by lighting up with blue lights, the special-ed department is finding ways to incorporate Autism awareness into the school.

“[For Autism Awareness Month], we installed blue filters in the cafeteria and B wing hallway. and there are over 100 different buildings and monuments around the world that light up blue. It’s really a symbolic kick-off for Autism Awareness month,” Milazzo said.

Although April is the month of Autism awareness, students can spread awareness any time during the year. There are multiple programs that provide students with the opportunity to get involved, according to Milazzo.

“A great program we have at the school right now is our buddy project. It’s open to a lot of our students with disabilities and we partner them up with our non-disabled peers and they go to events together. I think that’s a wonderful way for students to get involved. Another program we have is our SNAP program, which involves our middle and elementary schools. Right now they’re in the track and field season  and they partner our special-ed students with non-disabled peers and do running and throwing events,” Milazzo said.

Students can join these programs to volunteer at events for students with disabilities. This allows both students to make connections with each other.

“I think it’s a great way for student to learn how to work with different people and see that they are capable in so many ways as well. They’re gaining that connection with other people. They make a friendship and get to meet other people. There’s so much socialization,” Milazzo said. “Having someone help you meet a goal is a huge accomplishment for someone that is struggling. When you have something that can make you successful, it gives a little more purpose to your life.”