Hahn Declares April Autism Awareness Month

In March 2023, Hahn, her staff, individuals with autism and their families, and community advocates painted an LA County Lifeguard tower on Torrance Beach in honor of Autism Awareness Month.

Los Angeles, CA – Today, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a motion by Supervisor Janice Hahn to declare April “Autism Awareness Month” in LA County. According to the Centers for Disease Control, 1 in 22 children in California is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

“Individuals with autism sometimes need extra care and I want our LA County family to meet that need with the right resources and sensitivity,” said Hahn. “I’m thankful to our Fire Department for modeling that behavior by creating the Sirens of Silence program.”

In 2021, the Los Angeles County Fire Department launched Sirens of Silence program to better prepare lifeguards and firefighters to interact with people with autism. It includes better training, better tools in the field, and events where local children with autism can interact with first responders.

Among the other County resources that have helped people with autism and other disabilities is LA Found, a program that provides Hahn led the launch of the program in 2018. LA Found has given out 1,418 bracelets since the program launched, and has helped find 28 individuals.

Both the White House and the United Nations recognize April 2 as Autism Awareness Day.