Southport Magazine

What: Autism Awareness Day
When: Saturday, April 20th
12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Southport Parks & Recreation
City Gym: 211 N. Atlantic Ave.
Cost: Free!
Info: (910) 457-7965
www.facebook.com/puttogetherthepieces

Since the 1970s, the Autism Society has celebrated April as National Autism Awareness Month. In December 2007, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution that declared April 2nd as World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD).

Dina Scalia (left) is the founder of the local autism/Asperger’s advocacy group Put Together the Pieces. Heather Winterbottom (right) is another parent advocate for the group. Courtesy photo

With autism recognized as a growing global health crisis, awareness activities help increase and develop worldwide knowledge of the epidemic and the importance of early diagnosis and intervention, while celebrating the unique talents and skills of autistic individuals.

Put Together the Pieces, the Autism and Asperger’s Support Group of the Oak Island and Southport Area is hosting its inaugural Autism Awareness Day event on Saturday, April 20th from noon to 5 p.m. at the Southport Parks and Recreation City Gym.

Dina Scalia is the founder of Put Together the Pieces, and she partners with speech therapist Andrea Swepson from Speak and Play and others from the community to provide support and resources for what she says is a growing autistic population.

“Autism is now at one in 88 [children] being diagnosed; one in 54 boys and on the rise,” Scalia said. “In 10 years, who knows—half the children in each class in schools may be on the spectrum. We need to start opening our eyes on how these kids learn and communicate, for they will be contributing to society and the work force one day, which affects everyone.”

As the first of what is going to be an annual event, Scalia’s goals for this function and the group include spreading awareness and gaining acceptance for autism in the community. “My long-term goal is to apply for a non-profit status and to create more autism support groups affiliated through Put Together the Pieces, [such as] to have an Autism Awareness Day annually in Southport along with autism community walks,” Scalia explains.

“[Our] expectation for this year is to help educate families about the rate of autism and encourage people to teach acceptance and understanding to their children about others in their community,” she continues, “especially in school, and the invisible challenges some may have—not just the physical ones.”

Scalia is a military spouse and devoted mother of three special-needs children. Her oldest daughter has Asperger’s syndrome on the autistic spectrum, which is characterized by significant difficulties in social interactions. She has another daughter with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and a son who is developmentally delayed with autistic traits.

“I believe this is my calling, and being that small towns in the South have limited resources for special-needs families … the goal is to educate the community, support families and inspire others to do the same,” Scalia declares.

Put Together the Pieces offers monthly meetings for anyone affected by autism or Asperger’s. Scalia says that parents of autistic children face a unique set of challenges and need resources, support, friendship, as well as a place where they are never alone.

“The opportunity to connect with other families who are going through similar experiences can be a valuable form of support,” Scalia concludes.

The Autism Awareness Day event will feature raffles, handouts, as well as therapists and autism-related organizations in attendance. Put Together the Pieces and Southport Parks and Recreation will provide arts and crafts for kids, while Brunswick County Parks and Recreation’s exceptional children’s program will lend equipment for activities.

“We will have yoga instruction for the children and parents,” Scalia says. “There will [also be a] Southport fire truck and Sunset Slush Italian ice cart.”

Though there are many ways to support the cause, Scalia implores others to raise autism awareness by simply asking questions and educating others—especially children—by teaching compassion, acceptance, patience and love for autistic children, despite their differences.

“Though communication is a challenge, there is always a way to connect and see how special each and every one on the spectrum is,” she implores. “The more sharing, then the more awareness, education and acceptance.”

For event updates or to volunteer, sponsor or donate to Put Together the Pieces, visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/puttogetherthepieces.