Cavan goes blue for autism awareness

Businesses across Cavan Town are going blue for autism in a bid to support and to spread awareness ahead of National Autism Awareness Month 2017, from April 1-30, and World Autism Awareness Day on Sunday, April 2.

Under the encouragement of Cavan Autism Parents Support (CAPS), the local businesses have dressed shop windows in vibrant blue, while the group will mark World Autism Day with a family fund event at the Farnham Arms Hotel, from 12 until 3pm.

“For the month of April the business people in Cavan Town have gone blue for us in support of autism and to highlight the needs of people with autism in Cavan. We have the banner across the main street, and the Countdown Clock at Market Square counting us down to World Autism Awareness Day on Sunday, April 2,” says Bernie Nelson, Chairperson of CAPS.

The family fun event will have representatives from the HSE, as well as from the Middletown Centre for Autism in attendance. “There will be fun and games, and a cup of tea. There is something for everybody,” adds Bernie, who says the event is about highlight the various forms of autism across the spectrum.

Bernie Meanwhile paid tribute to not only the local businesses involved in the awareness campaign, but the public too who she says remain vital in ensuring the local charity's future endeavours.

“CAPS would not be what it is today if it was not for the total support of the people of Co Cavan and further afield. They know the support we are giving to families in our communities, whether its computer club on a Friday evening, Saturday club, horse riding on a Saturday afternoon and numerous camps throughout the year,” she adds.