Promote Tolerance and Understanding of Autism
with family, friends and coworkers
In connection with Autism Awareness Month, Loudoun County Autism Network offered to provide community volunteers to read the story, "Since We're Friends, An Autism Picture Book", by Celeste Shally and David Harrington in the Loudoun County Public Schools during the month of April.
James Dallas, Principal at Cedar Lane Elementary School, immediately signed his school up to host an autism awareness storytime event. This opportunity "sends a strong message to the entire community that we serve as partners with ALL of our families and not just certain segments of the school population," said Mr. Dallas.
On Friday, April 18, volunteer Michelle Hurst, from Autism Outreach, read the story to eager listeners in Cedar Lane's second grade classes. The children enjoyed listening to the story and had questions and thoughtful discussions afterwards.
Aundrea Foster, a co-founder of LoCo Autism Network, was thrilled to be involved in the storytime and gratefully acknowledged the efforts of Mr. Dallas and Cedar Lane Elementary who have been instrumental partners, helping to spread knowledge and promote understanding of autism, which affects so many children each year. "Seeing the children's response to the story was heartwarming," said Mrs. Foster, whose oldest son is affected by autism and currently attends kindergarten at Cedar Lane Elementary.
