Dexter, Missouri - "We need your help!!  April 2nd is 7th Annual World Autism Awareness Day and we want to light up Stoddard County in BLUE," stated Belinda Worley.

Belinda Worley is the owner of Bootheel Pediatric Therapy and her daughter is autistic.  She currently serves as a member of the Parent Autism Advisory Council, a state-appointed position and works with many children who are affected by this disorder.

April is also Autism Awareness Month and serves as a time to educate and inform the public about the disorder.  Autism is a neurophysiological disorder affecting brain development and function and is usually diagnosed in young children. 

Nikki Finch works with autistic children at Bootheel Pediatric Therapy in Dexter and has witnessed first hand the every day challenges faced by parents. 

World Autism Awareness Day shines a bright light on autism as a growing global health crisis. By bringing together autism organizations all around the world, they will give a voice to the millions of individuals worldwide who are undiagnosed, misunderstood and looking for help. Please join them in their effort to inspire compassion, empowerment and hope. For more information about Autism click HERE.

Shown in the photo are speech language pathologists of Bootheel Pediatric Therapy: Belinda Worley, Ashley Miller, and Nikki Finch.