WAYNE COUNTY, PA — During the April 3 Wayne County Commissioners meeting, the commissioners proclaimed that the month of April 2025 would be recognized as both Autism Awareness Month and Child Abuse Prevention Month throughout Wayne County.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), autism spectrum disorder is a neurological and developmental disorder that affects the way in which individuals learn, communicate, behave and interact with others. The proclamation states that nearly one in every 36 children have autism in the United States. 

“Wayne County is honored to celebrate the many ways individuals with autism enhance the quality of our communities,” the proclamation states. “[Wayne County] is committed to fostering acceptance and a sense of belonging while also recognizing much more can be done to better support individuals with autism as they strive to acquire, maintain, and advance in employment pathways that best support their interests and needs.”

The proclamation also emphasizes the importance of people on the autism spectrum having access to appropriate services throughout their lives, “so that they may achieve their greatest potential and lead happy and productive lives within their communities.”

The commissioners also declared April as Child Abuse Prevention Month. As stated in the proclamation, “child abuse and neglect are serious problems affecting every segment of our community.” Wayne County Children and Youth Services received 985 intake reports in 2023, including 'general protective services' intakes (covering issues such as neglect, truancy and mental health issues) and 'child protective services' intakes (covering issues such as physical, sexual and emotional abuse). According to an annual report from the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, there were 149 reports specifically of child abuse in Wayne County in 2023, 12 of which were found to be substantiated. 

The proclamation claims that prevention is the strongest defense for children and families, and it also acknowledges that the community as a whole must work together to “increase awareness about child abuse and contribute to promote the social and emotional well‐being of children and families in a safe, stable, and nurturing environment.”

At the end of the proclamation, the commissioners included a call to action for all citizens of Wayne County to recognize this month by “dedicating ourselves to the task of improving the quality of life for all children and families.”

In other county news

The county recognized three employees during the meeting. Nikki Neglia, Joseph O’Brien and William Deschenes were all recognized for one year of service at the Wayne County Correctional Facility. 

Additionally, the commissioners approved a letter of support for the Delaware Highlands Conservancy (DHC) application for a Department of Community and Economic Development grant. If received, this grant will be used for a Conservation Education Center at the Van Scott Nature Reserve located in Beach Lake, PA.

The center would support the DHC’s objectives to “Advance an environmental education program designed to foster a love and respect for nature across generations and to equip people with the tools to turn knowledge into action through a focus on wildlife, habitat improvement, and land management.”

Throughout the letter, the commissioners emphasized the importance of having this public space in the community, calling the center “invaluable.” They also stated, “This project is an exciting opportunity to deepen community engagement and encourage hands-on learning.”

Editor's note: A line was added to the story on Friday, April 18, providing more context about the work of Wayne County Children and Youth Services.