There’s a lot you as an individual can do to raise awareness about autism spectrum disorders in your community.

And, since April is I/DD Awareness Month, that’s the perfect time to do your thing. We encourage you to pick at least one idea from the list below and make that your personal effort to raise awareness of autism during month of April.

Also, be sure to join in the conversation online at www.facebook.com/arcmc and The Arc and Autism NOW’s national blogs, Facebook and Twitter pages which can all be accessed via www.thearc.org or www.autismnow.org. Post and share using hashtag #AutismAware.

•Post this as your status on Facebook at least once during April: April is Autism Awareness Month. Help me celebrate the contributions of people on the autism spectrum by copying and posting this as your status during April. Get more information at www.autismnow.org. #AutismAware.

•Tweet this out on Twitter at least once during April: April is Awareness Month. Foster respect, access and inclusion for all. PLS share! #AutismAware.

•Comment on The Arc’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/arcmc) and Twitter profile (@arcmc1952) about what you are doing to raise awareness of I/DD — use hashtag #AutismAware.

•Contact The Arc Mower County to volunteer or donate. Local chapters like The Arc Mower County are on the front lines of advocacy efforts and provide the services and supports essential to people with autism and their families. Often they are lifelines for struggling families and they need your help to accomplish their goals.

•Make sure you have the best and most reliable information about autism spectrum disorders. Visit www.autismnow.org. In addition to the wealth of quality information and resources on the site, you can also get involved in online forums and sign up to receive newsletter and emails about autism spectrum disorders and other developmental disabilities.

Autism NOW, The National Autism Resource & Information Center is a project of The Arc funded in part by the Administration on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.

Upcoming Events

•Saturday: Fabulous Las Vegas Prom Dinner and Dance, 4 to 8:30 p.m. at St. Edwards Corcoran Center.

•April 16 – 18: Annual Rose Sale Pick-Up and Delivery from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

•April 22: Cardinal of Minnesota Town Hall Meeting at 7 p.m.

•April 29: Dave Reedstrom, a Special Needs Planner and a parent of an adult child with Down syndrome, will be holding a free informational seminar from 1:30 to 6:30 p.m. at The Arc that includes these topics: Guardianships, wills, supplemental needs trusts, power of attorney, letter of intent, avoiding family conflict and reducing professional costs.