Sheriffs in Pico Rivera and L.A. County initiate Autism Identification Decal Program
In an effort to enhance safety and understanding for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), the city of Pico Rivera has partnered with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department to launch the Occupant with Autism Decal Program. This initiative aims to provide emergency personnel with a clear indication that there is an individual with autism present.
The program offers free decals to community members who care for individuals with autism or know someone with autism. Two decals will be provided: one for placement on a frequently used vehicle and one for display at the primary residence.
This move comes as the prevalence of ASD among children in California is notably higher than the national average. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 1 in 22 (4.5%) of 8-year-old children in California were identified with ASD in 2020. This is significantly higher than the national average of 1 in 36 (2.8%) for the same age group.
The condition, which affects how a person thinks, communicates, interacts, and experiences the world, manifests differently in each individual, with a wide range of strengths, challenges, and support needs.
The increased visibility of ASD in California is likely due to a combination of factors, including increased awareness, improved screening, and comprehensive healthcare systems like Medi-Cal that provide coverage for behavioural health treatment for ASD.
In a recent development, the Irving J. Moskowitz Foundation made a significant contribution to support this cause. They donated $10,000 to California Autism Speaks, a non-profit organisation dedicated to increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders and funding research into their causes. The donation was not specified as being for a particular purpose or project. Additionally, the foundation donated an additional $25,000 to Autism Speaks.
The donation was accepted by Matthew Asner, Executive Director for Southern California "Autism Speaks". Asner explained that the organisation is committed to its mission, which includes funding research, increasing understanding, and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families.
On April 13th, the Gardens Casino in Pico Rivera will host the 2nd Annual All in for Autism Speaks Poker Tournament. Proceeds from the tournament will benefit Autism Speaks' Southern California mission. The event will take place at the newly remodeled Gardens Casino, and it is expected to be a significant fundraising opportunity for the organisation.
The award for the tournament's top winner was presented at the Hawaiian Gardens Bingo Club last week, further demonstrating the community's commitment to supporting individuals with autism and their families.
As the prevalence of ASD in Los Angeles County continues to rise, initiatives like the Occupant with Autism Decal Program and fundraising events like the All in for Autism Speaks Poker Tournament are crucial in promoting understanding, safety, and support for individuals with autism and their families.
[1] Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. (2021). Autism Spectrum Disorder. Retrieved from https://publichealth.lacounty.gov/acb/acs/Pages/autism.aspx [2] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Data & Statistics: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/data.html [3] California Department of Public Health. (2021). Autism Services, Training, and Support. Retrieved from https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CFH/DCD/Pages/AutismServicesTrainingandSupport.aspx [4] National Autism Association. (2021). California. Retrieved from https://nationalautismassociation.org/california/ [5] Autism Speaks. (2021). California. Retrieved from https://www.autismspeaks.org/california
- The community news might report on the upcoming health-and-wellness event, the 2nd Annual All in for Autism Speaks Poker Tournament, scheduled on April 13th at the Gardens Casino in Pico Rivera, where proceeds will support Autism Speaks' Southern California mission.
- To reduce the impact of environmental factors on mental health, local community events could focus on raising awareness about mental health and promoting stress-management techniques, in line with the mission of the Irving J. Moskowitz Foundation's recent $10,000 donation to California Autism Speaks.
- As part of the commitment to provide a comprehensive approach to health and well-being, the city of Pico Rivera could consider organizing a series of community events that focus on health-and-wellness, science, and environmental issues, in light of the increasing prevalence of conditions like Autism Spectrum Disorder, supported by resources such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data and the California Department of Public Health's Autism Services, Training, and Support.
