WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W.Va. — (April 2, 2019): The Greenbrier is lighting its iconic front entrance blue tonight in honor of the 12th annual World Autism Awareness Day. Hundreds of landmarks, buildings, homes and communities around the world will be turned blue in recognition of those living with autism, and America’s Resort™ is proud to join the initiative to increase understanding and acceptance of the 1 in 59 children who are diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder.
“The impact that autism has on the individual, as well as their family and friends, is enormous,” said Dr. Jill Justice, President, The Greenbrier. “We need to do all we can to educate the public and learn more about how to help those classified with the disorder. It’s important to my family and all of the nearly 2,000 Team Members at The Greenbrier, and we’re proud to do our part in recognizing this special day.”
Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication.
In West Virginia, Mountaineer Autism Project is a nonprofit organization of parents of children with autism and professionals in the autism field. MAP’s goal is to have one voice in West Virginia dedicated to early autism detection, diagnosis and early intensive behavioral intervention.
Research indicates that intensive applied behavior analysis (ABA) is effective for nearly 90 percent of children with autism, and in 2018, it was estimated that less than 10 percent of West Virginia children with autism are receiving ABA. MAP is working to change those numbers through education and assistance.
The Greenbrier Concours d’Elegance, which will be held May 3-5 at The Greenbrier, has selected Mountaineer Autism Project as one of its beneficiaries. For the second straight year, a portion of the profits from the Charitable Dinner on May 4 will go toward this initiative.
For more information, visit MountaineeAutismProject.org.