April is Autism Awareness Month and in recognition, the school district created an initiative to present students and staff with key facts about autism in order to foster greater collective understanding. The Wayne Schools will be selling pins, buttons, and other handmade merchandise to raise awareness. Proceeds will be donated to United by Autism. On April 30, the district will "Light It Up Blue" when all members of the community are invited to wear something blue to end our Autism Awareness Month activities.

The district has been sharing important facts about Autism with the community such as:

* Autism now touches one in every 46 children in New Jersey.
* The prevalence of autism in children continues to grow.
* Autism is the fastest growing developmental disorder in the United States.
* The cost to support a child with autism is high and costs the average family about $60,000 per year.
* Boys are five times more likely than girls to have autism.
* There is no medical detection or `cure for autism.

In addition to our districtwide efforts, there are a number of unique school events.

At Schuyler Colfax Middle School, over $1600 was raised for United by Autism by holding a Black Out Day with T-Shirt sales that were designed to recognize World Autism Day. Over 90% of the students and staff members supported the effort by wearing the t-shirts on Black Out Day. One of the students attending Schuyler Colfax met with 6th grade students to discuss what it is like to have a sibling with autism.

At Wayne Hills High School, the Students Teaching and Reaching Students (STARS) Program organized a family friendly movie night. Although admission was free, students sold refreshments, awareness ribbons, bracelets and chocolate with all proceeds going to the Wayne Hills STARS Program and United by Autism.

At Anthony Wayne Middle School, students have been collecting donations for United by Autism at every lunch period on April. A special spirit day is also planned in recognition of Autism Awareness Month.