Billboards put spotlight on autism

By Carl Chancellor/Beacon Journal staff writer

The Greater Akron Chapter of the Autism Society has decided to put a face -- make that faces -- on the brain disorder that affects 1.5 million people in the United States, including about one of every 150 children.

During April, which is National Autism Awareness Month, the Akron area's skyline will be dotted with 10 billboards featuring the faces of local children who have Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), a complex developmental disability.

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In addition to the photographs, the outdoor advertisements will feature an educational message about this common, yet little understood, disorder.

''All 10 billboards prominently feature the tagline: ''Intelligent. Unique. Autism.'' Each billboard also has it own secondary message, such as: ''Speech can be harder with autism -- Be patient;'' ''Making friends is harder with autism -- Be a friend;'' and ''People with autism see the world differently -- Don't we all?''

Lisa Weaver, president of the Greater Akron Chapter of the Autism Society of America, said the billboards are on display in Summit, Medina and Portage counties. The chapter also serves Stark and Wayne counties.

''We hope the billboards will help raise awareness and understanding of what autism is,'' Weaver said.

A collaboration of the Autism Society and Clear Channel Outdoor advertising made the billboards possible, she said.

Weaver, a Barberton resident, is the mother of two children. Her 13-year-old son Andrew has autism and is featured on one of the billboards.

''The message on his billboard -- 'Seeing the world differently' -- is so perfect for him,'' she said, explaining that her son has difficulty with ''communication skills.''

Autism can be mild to severe and not all autistic people are affected in the same way or have the same symptoms.



In rare cases, autistic people display extraordinary abilities, like amazing memorization powers or playing an instrument without ever being taught.

Weaver said her son began reading when he was 18 months old.

According to the Autism Society, the cause of the disorder is unknown and there is no cure.

The thrust of Autism Awareness Month and of the billboard effort is to encourage the public to educate themselves about the disorder and the challenges autistic people face. The hope is that understanding will foster respect and the realization that with help, kindness, patience and encouragement people with autism can show improvement.

More information about the Greater Akron Chapter of the Autism Society of America is available at www.asagreaterakron.com or by calling, 330-543-3955.

The Greater Akron Chapter of the Autism Society has decided to put a face -- make that faces -- on the brain disorder that affects 1.5 million people in the United States, including about one of every 150 children.

During April, which is National Autism Awareness Month, the Akron area's skyline will be dotted with 10 billboards featuring the faces of local children who have Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), a complex developmental disability.

In addition to the photographs, the outdoor advertisements will feature an educational message about this common, yet little understood, disorder.

''All 10 billboards prominently feature the tagline: ''Intelligent. Unique. Autism.'' Each billboard also has it own secondary message, such as: ''Speech can be harder with autism -- Be patient;'' ''Making friends is harder with autism -- Be a friend;'' and ''People with autism see the world differently -- Don't we all?''

Lisa Weaver, president of the Greater Akron Chapter of the Autism Society of America, said the billboards are on display in Summit, Medina and Portage counties. The chapter also serves Stark and Wayne counties.

''We hope the billboards will help raise awareness and understanding of what autism is,'' Weaver said.

A collaboration of the Autism Society and Clear Channel Outdoor advertising made the billboards possible, she said.

Weaver, a Barberton resident, is the mother of two children. Her 13-year-old son Andrew has autism and is featured on one of the billboards.

''The message on his billboard -- 'Seeing the world differently' -- is so perfect for him,'' she said, explaining that her son has difficulty with ''communication skills.''

Autism can be mild to severe and not all autistic people are affected in the same way or have the same symptoms.

In rare cases, autistic people display extraordinary abilities, like amazing memorization powers or playing an instrument without ever being taught.

Weaver said her son began reading when he was 18 months old.




According to the Autism Society, the cause of the disorder is unknown and there is no cure.

The thrust of Autism Awareness Month and of the billboard effort is to encourage the public to educate themselves about the disorder and the challenges autistic people face. The hope is that understanding will foster respect and the realization that with help, kindness, patience and encouragement people with autism can show improvement.

More information about the Greater Akron Chapter of the Autism Society of America is available at www.asagreaterakron.com or by calling, 330-543-3955

Published Apr 03, 2008 Akron Beacon Journal