April proclaimed Autism Awareness Month and Fair Housing Month

April is officially both Autism Awareness Month and Fair Housing Month in New Smyrna Beach following proclamations read during the City Commission's March 26 regular meeting.

Joining commissioners for the Autism Awareness Month reading were Upward Trend Academy owners Dr. Amy Michaelis and Lindsay Strausbaugh, whose school located at 311 N. Orange St. has specialized in teaching students with learning disabilities such as autism spectrum disorder, dyslexia, and ADHD since 2019.

"Let us commit ourselves to raising awareness and fostering acceptance, so that we can build a more inclusive and supportive community where individuals with autism can thrive and reach their full potential," Mayor Fred Cleveland read aloud from the proclamation.

Autism spectrum disorder is a developmental disability caused by differences in the brain such as a genetic condition, though other causes are not yet known. Children often have problems with social communication and restricted or repetitive behaviors or interests that can make life challenging as they become adolescents and adults. Since there is no medical test, like a blood test, doctors look at a child's behavior and development to make a diagnosis.

Next, commissioners invited members of the New Smyrna Beach Board of REALTORS to join them in recognizing Fair Housing Month.

"New Smyrna Beach is an inclusive community committed to fair housing and to promoting appropriate activities by private and public entities to provide and advocate for equal housing opportunities for all residents and prospective residents of New Smyrna Beach," Mayor Fred Cleveland read aloud from the proclamation.

The Fair Housing Act, enacted on April 11, 1968, enshrined into federal law the goal of eliminating racial segregation and ending housing discrimination in the United States.