A celebration of World Autism Awareness Day took place in Quesnel’s Spirit Square on Monday (April 2), with residents coming out in droves wearing blue to support the cause.
There was face painting for the little ones and a delicious-looking blue cake, a raffle for homemade items and, later on, a fireworks display.
The Fraser River Footbridge was lit up blue to commemorate the day.
“The event was to raise awareness that we are no different from anyone else,” says Alleasha Pronger.
Pronger has autism, as does her daughter. She attends the Autism Parent Support Group run by Quesnel Community Autism Committee, and says it’s a great program.
“We need to let people know we are no different to anyone else, so why treat us any differently. We want to open more doors for these kids through these programs, teach them how to read social cues, and also help teachers get associated with autism and its different forms,” she says.
Anyone interested in attending the Autism Parent Support Group can check Quesnelautism.com for more details.
