The Alternative Press

Come join the Westfield Community for an evening of education and insightful conversation on Wednesday, April 25th at 7:30pm, at the Edison Intermediate School Library, located at 800 Rahway Ave. in Westfield, NJ.

In honor of Autism Awareness Month, the Westfield PTC Special Education Committee is pleased to offer a presentation on Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Autism is the fastest-growing serious developmental disability in the United States, recently updated as affecting 1 in 88 children. The rate is even more staggering in NJ, where 1 in 49 children is diagnosed with autism. It is also one of the most misunderstood and complex diagnoses, as children with autism all present differently.

Dr. Roseann Pagano Pizzi is the psychology supervisor at Children's Specialized Hospital in Mountainside, NJ. She specializes in assessmentof children with autism spectrum disorders and oversees a department of psychologists and psychotherapists who treat children with a variety of mental health needs. Dr. Pizzi is also an adjunct professor at Seton Hall University, where she teaches graduate courses in counseling. She is theparent of a fourth grader at McKinley with autism spectrum disorder.

This presentation will address new prevalence data, proposed changes in classification of autism spectrum disorders, and recent developments about autism. An overview of symptoms will also be provided.

It is eligible for one Professional Development Hours. Pre-registration is not required. For further information, email us: specialedparents@westfieldnjk12.org or visit our website: www.westfieldnjk12.org/specialedparents.