On April 21st, the Grand Island Behavioral Clinic hosted community professionals to raise awareness of autism through a lunch and learn and carnival celebration.
Seventy community partners attended the interactive lunch discussion, learning more about and debunking myths about autism. The event was led by Carley Starling, PsyD, LP, Mackenzie Boon, PhD, LP and Heather Calkins, PhD, LP. They, along with 10 amazing youth Autism Ambassadors, helped educate the community on how children with autism are often misunderstood, which regularly results in conflict with adults and peers. The group provided tips on how to successfully interact with individuals with autism to increase positive connections.
The day concluded with a family carnival celebration filled with bounce houses, snow cones, cotton candy and face painting for the patients, staff and community partners. Everyone had a great time learning more about autism and making connections in a fun setting.