PutnamCountyNY.gov/aaw

CARMEL, NY – The Putnam County Department of Mental Health’s Office for Individuals with Disabilities, along with the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office and CEPAB (Community Engagement & Police Advisory Board) are pleased to announce the Putnam County Autism Awareness Walk. The walk, being held on April 26, 2025, from 11am-2pm at Tilly Foster Farm, is open to participants of all ages. The event is part of the county’s ongoing commitment to ThinkDIFFERENTLY and inspires to bring together families, friends, and community members while promoting acceptance and support for those with autism.

If you are interested in registering to walk or registering to table, visit putnamcountyny.gov/aaw

“This Autism Awareness Walk is another step toward making our community more inclusive and accessible for residents of all abilities,” said County Executive Byrne. “We are always encouraging residents, businesses and government officials to ThinkDIFFERENTLY. I look forward to seeing folks come together to support this important cause.”

Dana Touponse, Coordinator of Putnam County’s Office for Individuals with Disabilities said, “I’m excited to not only be bringing our first autism walk to Putnam County, but also the ability to surround our families with much needed county resources at the event.”

Putnam County is home to a plethora of resources for individuals with autism and this walk is the opportunity to bring them all together for our community.

“This walk will truly showcase what we represent in Putnam County, a support for individuals of all abilities, especially those with autism. It’s an event we are very proud to be holding,” said Sara Servadio, Putnam County Commissioner for the Departments of Mental Health, Social Services and Youth Bureau.

A review of data finds that 1 in 36 children has been identified with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) while 1 in 45 adults are diagnosed. Autism spectrum disorder is nearly four times more common among boys than among girls. Notably, Autism has increased by 175% over the last decade. The increase in ASD diagnoses among young adults suggests that people may be going undiagnosed in childhood, only receiving a diagnosis in early adulthood when challenges in daily life become too difficult to manage. This trend highlights the importance of accessible services across the lifespan and the need for age-appropriate interventions and support for those on the spectrum.

Putnam County’s Office for Individuals with Disabilities is here to assist anyone in need of support related to autism as well as any other disability. The office strives to make Putnam County more accessible to those with varying levels of need. Resources related to the office can be found at:

https://www.putnamcountyny.gov/department-of-social-services#disabilities