Commissioner Diaz to host Autism Awareness Month kickoff event

Miami-Dade County Commissioner Jose “Pepe” Diaz will kick off Autism Awareness Month on Tuesday, April 5 at 1 p.m. in the lobby of the Stephen P. Clark Center, 111 NW 1st St.

To celebrate this year’s theme of “Expressing Yourself,” 8-year-old musical sensation Jacob Velasquez, who has been featured on several TV shows, will perform on the piano.  Fifteen-year-old artistically talented Bryan Fernandez-Cornejo of Sweetwater will unveil a new painting he has been working on. Both youngsters have been diagnosed on the autism spectrum.

“These kids are truly amazing and are an inspiring example of every person’s ability to overcome challenges and excel,” Commissioner Diaz said. “We are all very proud of them and their accomplishments.”

Other participants will be South Florida Autism Charter School, the Dan Marino Foundation, Autism Speaks and Hialeah Gardens Elementary.  Commissioner Diaz is extending a special thanks to Douglas Thiel from Steinway & Sons -Coral Gables for providing the piano for Jacob Velasquez to perform.

Commissioner Diaz sponsored the 2009 County Commission resolution declaring April as Autism Awareness Month in Miami-Dade County, and has been hosting the annual kickoff event every year. The specially designated month is designed to increase awareness about autism and treatment, as well as to encourage early testing for children. According to the Centers for Disease Control, autism is a complex neurobiological disorder that impairs communication skills and social abilities. There is no known cause or cure for autism, which is estimated to affect 1 out of every 68 children born in the United States.