First Annual “Autism Awareness Lunch Party” Where Students Experience Autism for Themselves - 4/13/2016

FULLERTON, Calif., April 06, 2016 -- In honor of autism awareness month this April, Fullerton Cares and the Fullerton School District will host an opportunity for students to experience how people with autism perceive the world around them through a hands-on sensory zone and tactile experience for all 750 students at Golden Hill Elementary School in Fullerton during the “autism awareness lunch party” at 723 Barris Drive, Wednesday, April 13, 11am-1:15pm.

Says Summer Dabbs, Director of the Board of Fullerton Cares and Instructional Assistant in the 3rd-6th grade Special Day Class at Golden Hill, “This is a special way to celebrate and understand all people of all abilities and we are blessed that the school and the district are so supportive of raising autism awareness in our schools and in our community.” Dabbs became involved with autism after her stepson, Boyd, age 8, was diagnosed with autism at age 2.

The free event is only open to students attending Golden Hill, and will host the entire school during their lunch times to engage in a sensory zone, dancing with a DJ, and a temporary autism puzzle piece tattoo station. In addition, the school will be decorated blue for the day in honor of autism awareness. This event comes only a few short days before the Fullerton Cares Mardi Gras for Autism, April 16, their biggest annual event of the year, anticipating 4,000 people attending and celebrating people of all abilities in downtown Fullerton.

Media is required to RSVP prior to the event. Captioned photos of the event are available with a minimum 48-hour advance request.

ABOUT MARDI GRAS FOR AUTISM: To support autism charities and special education, the seventh annual FREE family carnival benefit, ‘Mardi Gras for Autism’ will be held outside at the Fullerton Train Depot parking lot located at 110 E. Commonwealth Ave. in Fullerton on Saturday, April 16, 2016, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. http://fullertoncares.com/autism-events/mardi-gras-for-autism/ Video: http://youtu.be/udmycp_pXd4

ABOUT FULLERTON CARES: Awareness, acceptance and action are the pillars of Fullerton Cares, which spreads autism awareness throughout North Orange County and was founded by Lawrence Houser, after being inspired by his son, Boyd, with autism. Raising funds for autism charities and programs in Fullerton schools through organized events, Fullerton Cares was founded in 2010 and has raised over $75,000 for autism initiatives. http://fullertoncares.com/ https://www.facebook.com/FullertonCaresAutismFoundation

ABOUT AUTISM: According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), autism now affects about 1 in every 68 American children, including 1 in 42 boys. Autism is a complex condition that affects a person’s ability to communicate and develop social relationships, and is often accompanied by behavioral challenges.

Media Contact: Jess Block Nerren - 909-706-8525 - [email protected]