Carnival For A Cause In Howell Helps Autism Programs

HOWELL, N.J.—A sensory friendly Carnival for a Cause hosted by the Autism MVP Foundation will take place Sunday, June 26, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Southard Fire Hall.

The Southard Fire Hall is at 4611, Highway 9, Howell, 07731

The day will features food, drink, games, a magician, face painting, prizes and more, organizers say.

There is a magic show from The Amazing V and music from DJ Will. There will be face painters, games and prizes. It is an indoor event.

Tickets are $15 and include two food tickets. Tickets are available at the door.

Kids games (rubber duck races, spin wheels, and more) are $1 each.

Extra food tickets and tickets for the games can be purchased at the event, organizers say.

Tickets can be purchased through the event's Eventbrite page.

According to its Eventbrite page, Autism MVP's mission is to increase the number of autism-focused educators and therapists to meet the current and future needs of students on the autism spectrum.

"We accomplish this by supporting unique training and professional development programs for teachers, therapists and paraprofessionals, and by providing scholarships to graduate students," the site says.

Its initiatives include:

• Scholarship programs for graduate students at Monmouth University, Rutgers University and Temple University in Philadelphia. These programs benefit students who are committed to pursuing a career in the various fields that improve educational, social and daily life skill outcomes for individuals with autism.
• Funding unique educational programs, such as the groundbreaking Autism Program Improvement Project with Monmouth University in West Long Branch.

Autism is a serious neurological disorder that can impair an individual’s ability to communicate, socialize, focus and learn, according to the organizer's website.

It has been proven that various therapies can help individuals on the autism spectrum show dramatic improvement to help them reach their maximum potential.

The autism diagnosis rate in the U.S. is 1 in 44 among 8-year old children. That figure equates to roughly 150 new diagnoses a day and approximately 60,000 children with autism entering our school systems each year.

In New Jersey, where the foundation is located, the diagnosis rates is 1 in 35, which is the highest in the country and equates to 3,000 children each year receiving an autism diagnosis. The challenge is that there are simply not enough educators and therapists to work with children with autism, the organization says.