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Community Corner

April 2nd Autism Awareness Events in Novato

A light will be shed on Autism this April in Novato If you notice blue lights around Novato this April, it is part of an Autism Awareness campaign spearheaded by Nicole Hitchcock, mom of a nine year old son on the autistic spectrum. The Vintage Oaks Shopping Plaza, where Nicole co-owns NH2 salon, will host an evening of events as follows:
April 2, 2014
5PM-7PM Art Gallery Opening at NH2 salon from 5-7PM featuring artists with autism, learning differences, or other special needs.NH2 salon, in the Vintage Oaks Shopping Plaza (208 Vintage Way, K29)  will feature art collections from Autistry Studios (helping ASD youth become independent adults), Cypress School (serving children 5-22 with ASD) and Star Academy (serving 2-12 graders with learning differences.)
7PM Michael Prichard will kick off the World Autism Day Tree Lighting Ceremony with an inspiring message of hope with comedic twist for families effected by autism. Michael Prichard is an award winning comedian and anti-bullying advocate on the autistic spectrum.  
7:10PMPreview of "Walking with Earth People," a short documentary about Autism and it's effects on Marin County families, produced by Novato resident, Steve Gatlin and San Rafael resident, Nicole Hitchcock. This film was a project of Special Affects, a vocational training program for ASD youth working towards a profession in film. Steve and Nicole recently traveled to Colorado to interview Temple Grandin, autistic and world renown Animal Science Professor, who is featured in the documentary.
7:15PMWorld Autism Awareness Tree will be lit blue and will remain lit for the entire month of April.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life and affects a person’s ability to communicate and interact with others. ASD is defined by a certain set of behaviors and is called a “spectrum disorder” because it affects individuals differently and to varying degrees. ASD is the fastest growing developmental disability with an average 17% growth rate per year. ASD occurs in all racial, ethnic and socioeconomic groups. Early diagnosis of ASD leads to early intervention. If children are diagnosed by age three and can receive specific, appropriate community-based services and supports as they age they are more likely to work and live on their own as independent adults.

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