FCPS Student Coordinates Activities for Autism Awareness Month

Inspired by individuals on the autism spectrum, Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) student Gabby Sutton has made it a priority to educate as many people as possible about what autism is along with promoting acceptance. During April, recognized across the U.S. as Autism Awareness Month, Sutton has coordinated a number of special events to highlight the disability and encourage others to learn more about people on the autism spectrum.

On Friday, April 8, a proclamation by Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe will be read at Langley High School at 9:45 a.m. Representatives from the governor’s office and Autism Speaks D.C. will be on hand. Also on Friday, McLean High School will light up blue—using blue lights to illuminate the building—and, along with Kent Gardens Elementary School, will hold a blue out, where everyone is asked to wear blue throughout the day.

During April, Falls Church Academy will be observing Autism Awareness Month in a variety of ways. This week, Sutton and her classmates in the medical assisting class will spread blue balloons around the school with sayings and information about autism in an effort to educate Falls Church students about the disability. Throughout the month, students will be sharing cards with facts about autism, distributing autism awareness ribbons, and making a paper chain with links that include the names of students pledging to support those with autism.

Sutton, who is an Autism Speaks ambassador, a peer helper at Langley High, and a Falls Church Academy ambassador, coordinated blue outs at other FCPS schools and a local church.

“As I have interacted with those on the autism spectrum, I have come to a deeper understanding of their kindness, humor, acceptance, and capacity to enrich society and the lives of all those around them,” says Sutton. “Their courage and determination in overcoming challenges that many could never understand is one of the reasons they are heroes to me.”
For more information, contact Jill Burrer at 703-207-4244 or [email protected].

– Fairfax County Public Schools News Release