OH WOW! hosts Autism Awareness Month event

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

The Autism Society of Ohio, Mahoning Valley office, a regional chapter of the Autism Society of America, will have a variety of events to celebrate April as National Autism Awareness Month.

The first event includes the ASO-MV partnering with OH WOW! The Roger and Gloria Jones Children’s Center for Science and Technology, 11 W. Federal St., to offer a free Sensory Sensitive Night from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday. The free night of exploration is being offered in celebration of International Autism Awareness Day.

OH WOW! will offer sensory-friendly hours for families, caretakers and children affected by autism or other challenges that make the normal museum atmosphere and noise levels trying. Supports include dimmed lighting and reduced sound; quiet area and low-impact exploration in Function Junction; discounted admission rates; a museum picture guide; and opportunities for parents and caretakers to connect with one another and local Autism Society contacts and support groups.

The event is supported by the Hine Memorial Fund of The Youngstown Foundation. For information on the local chapter of the Autism Society, visit www.autismohio.org/mv, and for information on the state chapter, visit www.autismohio.org.