Local Businesses Shine Spotlight on Autistic Children During National Autism Awareness Month

Research from the Centers for Disease Control shows that one out of 110 children has a diagnosis of autism.

Now, the battle against the disease is being fought on a grassroots level.

The Huntington Learning Center, Palm Yoga and Brain Balance of Oldsmar have come together to host “Putting the Pieces Together," an event that will showcase local organizations providing services to autistic children and their families.

The event will be held on Saturday, April 9 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Huntington Learning Center, 13911 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Suite 101.

Chris Garrido saw the importance of hosting an event like this while observing the day school within the Huntington Learning Center. Though best known for its tutoring and test prep programs, Huntington Learning Center is also home to a school that caters to children with special needs.

With April being National Autism Awareness Month, Garrido saw an opportunity to help families.

“The overall goal is to make parents and caregivers of children with autism aware of all of the services available to them,” Garrido said.

Rebecca Wood, director of Palm Yoga, has a children’s yoga class at her studio. Wood recently produced a DVD series of yoga exercises for autistic children and their families. The videos will be previewed at the event, and will be available for purchase.

Autism can impact a child’s social development. Wood said that yoga has the benefits of being in a group environment, but with a focus on the individual.

“A yoga practice doesn’t have the same social demands as soccer team or dance or gymnastics,” she said. “Even though it’s in a group setting, yoga is a very individual practice.”

The organizers want to make the event entertaining for children, but still informative for adults, said Garrido.  J.P. Peterson of radio station 1010 AM will broadcast live, a balloon artist will be on site and games are all a part of the festivities. 

Refreshments will be provided by Artistas Café, which is located inside the Mercedes Benz of Tampa Bay dealership. All of the staff members at the café have a diagnosis of autism.

“It’s an opportunity for people to see that young adults with autism can be fully functional in a work environment,” said Garrido.

For more information on Putting the Pieces Together, call (813) 908-1000.