Today, it is estimated that one in every 110 children is diagnosed with autism, making it more common than childhood cancer, juvenile diabetes and pediatric AIDS combined.
As the incidence of autism continues to increase, The Children’s Regional Hospital at Cooper is teaming up with Autism Speaks to promote Autism Awareness Month by illuminating the hospital blue. During April 1 and April 2, blue lighting will be seen in front of Cooper’s Pavilion in support of individuals with autism and their families.
“Cooper is proud to be a part of such an important cause,” said Michael H. Goodman, MD, Chief, Department of Pediatrics. “By illuminating the hospital blue on the evening of April 1 and April 2, we hope to join the thousands of others involved in shining a light on autism as a growing health concern.”
The Children’s Regional Hospital at Cooper provides comprehensive pediatric services for children and adolescents with autism. Autism is a general term used to describe a group of complex developmental brain disorders including Asperger’s Syndrome and Childhood Disintegrative Disorder. Many parents and professionals refer to this group as Autism Spectrum Disorders. The Pediatric Autism Program located at Cooper Neurological Institute (CNI) is a multidisciplinary treatment and research center designed for the diagnosis and treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorders.
“It is important to remember that the term ‘autism’ now includes a wider spectrum of children of all ages with developmental disorders and symptoms, making it even more difficult to diagnose,” continued Dr. Goodman. “Neurologists working in The Pediatric Autism Program at Cooper are using the best scientific evidence available today to decipher the genetic and environmental components associated with autism in order to determine the best treatment options for each child.”
Autism Speaks is one of the nation’s largest autism science and advocacy organizations, dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, and treatments for autism. By working with organizations like Cooper to raise awareness, Autism Speaks hopes to one day find a cure.
For more information about The Pediatric Autism Program at Cooper visit cooperhealth.org.
In one word: AWESOME!!!!!!!!!! I am so proud to be an employee at Cooper University Hospital and with their participation in Light It Up Blue, I am tripled proud!!!!!
Thank you for your participation in this cause, it truly means a lot to me and the thousands of families that are coping with this on a daily basis.
I am lighting it up blue for my nephew! So, on behalf of my family and I, we thank you Cooper Hospital!!!!
Having my son just recently diagnosed with Autsim has been an overwhelming experience. Thank you for the supprot & information you have made available to all of those who do not know where to begin!! I’m also very proud to say I AM a COOPER EMPLOYEE! Thank you, Thank you, Thank you… Cooper Hospital!
My nephew David, was diagnosed with Autsim at age 3, he is now a wonderful 13 year old, our family has banned together and formed Bubby’s Buddies to support David through various fund raisers during the year, with all benefits going directly to Autism Speaks. We are working so hard towards a cure for Autism and when you see such a wonderful gesture as Cooper has made in Lighting Up Blue during Autism Awareness Month, it just blows you away. As a family member who sees Autism daily through my nephew, I want to say THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH! I have always been proud to say that I am a Cooper Employee, now more than ever. Thank you Cooper Hospital!