County of Monmouth

For Immediate Release:

April 30, 2015

 

 

Freeholders hope to raise awareness of Autism

Disorder affects social, learning and behavioral skills

 

FREEHOLD, NJ – On April 23, the Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders presented a proclamation to commemorate Autism Awareness Month, which is observed in the month of April. The Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders presented a proclamation to commemorate Autism Awareness Month to Franny Hines of Belmar, who has a seventeen year-old son with autism, at their regular public meeting on April 23 in Spring Lake, NJ. Pictured left to right: Freeholder Director Gary J. Rich, Sr., Freeholder Deputy Director Serena DiMaso, Freeholder Thomas A. Arnone, Freeholder Lillian G. Burry, Franny Hines and Freeholder John P. Curley.

The Board presented the proclamation to Franny Hines of Belmar, who has a seventeen year-old son with autism. Franny works with police, firemen and emergency service professionals to recognize and handle people with autism.

“There is a great need for public education and awareness about autism,” said Freeholder Thomas A. Arnone. “I commend Franny for dedicating his time to educate others about how to recognize and be considerate of people with autism and the County is fortunate to have him teach at the Monmouth County Police Academy.”
 
Autism is a pervasive developmental disorder affecting social, learning and behavioral skills which include High Functioning Autism, Autism, Asperger’s Syndrome and Pervasive Developmental Disorder which manifests itself in the first three years of life.
 
Since the 1970s, the month of April has been recognized as National Autism Awareness Month and with the goal of highlighting the growing need for awareness about autism and educating the public about autism and issues within the autism community.

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