County Executive Mike Hein Announces That Ulster County Will Recognize Autism Awareness Day (April 2, 2018) And National Autism Awareness Month

Posted March 29, 2018

The Ulster County Office Building Will Be Lit Blue For The Month Of April

Kingston, NY - Ulster County Executive Mike Hein announces that Ulster County will recognize Autism Awareness Day by illuminating the Ulster County Office Building at 244 Fair Street in Kingston and the cupola at 1 Pearl Street in Kingston with blue lighting to highlight World Autism Awareness Day on April 2nd as well as for the rest of the month of April to highlight National Autism Awareness Month.  Every year thousands of landmarks, schools, businesses and homes unite by shining blue lights in honor of the millions of individuals and families affected by autism. 

Michael P. Hein, Ulster County Executive

“In the United States more than 3.5 million Americans are living with an autism spectrum disorder,” said County Executive Hein.  “Autism Awareness Month and World Autism Awareness Day provide an important opportunity to shine light on the critical work of advocates, professionals and family members who assist those with autism every day.  I am proud to highlight the unique talents and skills of those children and adults living with autism spectrum disorder and look forward to promoting a more understanding and appreciative environment.  We have wonderful organizations and resources in Ulster County and we are pleased to join others across the world in lighting our building blue to promote autism awareness.”

Dr. Carol Smith, Ulster County Commissioner of Health & Mental Health

“Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability that can cause significant social, communication and behavioral challenges. About 1 in 68 children has been identified with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) according to estimates from the CDC,” said Dr. Carol Smith, Ulster County Commissioner of Health and Mental Health.  “There is currently no cure for ASD. However, research shows that early intervention treatment services can improve a child’s development. If you think your child might have ASD, contact your child’s doctor and share your concerns.  At the same time, you can contact the Ulster County Department of Health Children with Special Health Care Needs/Physically Handicapped Children’s Program at (845) 340–3099 or the Ulster County Early Intervention (EI) Program at (845) 334-5251. The EI program provides screening, evaluations and services for children from birth to two years of age and there is no out-of-pocket cost to eligible participants.”

Michael A. Iapoce, Esq., Ulster County Commissioner of Social Services 

“Autism is a complex developmental disorder that affects a person’s ability to communicate and interact with others.  It is a lifelong disability with no single known cause,” said Michael A. Iapoce, Esq., Commissioner of Social Services.  “UCDSS follows County Executive Mike Hein's leadership in continuing to be committed to identifying families and children in our community that require or could benefit from supportive services.  Our Early Intervention/ Pre School programs work closely with families and school districts in accordance with NYS Department of Health and the NYS Education Department guidelines. April 2018, National Autism Awareness Month, presents an excellent opportunity to promote autism awareness, autism acceptance and inclusion in schools and communities, while also encouraging everyone to appreciate the unique aspects of all people.” 

Susan Buckler, Administrative Director and Co-Founder of Center for Spectrum Services

“As the key word here is awareness, on behalf of our students, their families, and all of the school districts in Ulster County who send their students with autism to us, we are grateful and moved that not only is the county aware of its citizens with autism, but also in showing that it cares about them, too,” said Susan Buckler, Administrative Director and Co-Founder of Center for Spectrum Services. Based in Ulster County, Spectrum Services is a nonprofit school that educates students on the spectrum from throughout the Hudson Valley.

For services and more information on Autism: