Page 1 - Abacoa Community News - April '23

VOL. 24 NO. 4 www.seabreezepublications.com APRIL 2023

Saturday, April 22 – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Carlin Park West: 400 A1A, Jupiter, FL 33477
The Jupiter Police Department is hosting an entire day
filled with resources to assist those on the autism spectrum
and their families and friends. Not only will this day be
resourceful to inform you on all the incredible resources that
are available for you in the area, but full of fun to connect
you with your local first responders and others with autism.
Although this is a free event, please R.S.V.P. through
Eventbrite. Family Autism Day on page 6
Live Like Jake

– Childhood Drowning Prevention

On Nov. 30, 2013,
Jake Roarke Morrison,
age 2, lost his life to an
accidental drowning while
on a family vacation. Jake
almost always had a smile
on his face, especially
when he met new people.
He understood humor and
had the ability to create his
own happiness from all the
good and wonderful things
this life has to offer. He
loved the simple things like lights, fans, frogs, spiders,
lizards, shapes, the moon and his favorite thing, pushing
his baby stroller around. Live Like Jake on page 7
Drowning Prevention And Autism

Water safety is critical for children and adults with drowning accounts for 91 percent of deaths after elopements
autism. Many autistic individuals are drawn to water and reported in children with ASD who are 14 years old and younger.
some are unable to understand the dangers associated • Children with ASD are 160 times more likely to die from
with it. Tragically, the leading cause of death among drowning according to research published in the December 2017
those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who wander issue of Injury Epidemiology.
is drowning. – Autism Speaks. • According to a study by the American Academy of Abacoa Upcoming Events
Statistics Pediatrics, nearly half of all children with ASD will run away and
• 50 percent of children with autism wander – nearly all potentially go missing at least once before their 17th birthday.
gravitate towards water. • Of those who run away, also defined as “wandering” and May 13 – Roger Dean Baseball See Concert
• 32 percent of parents of kids with ASD report that they have what clinicians term “eloping,” many will be found dead. and Wine Mixer and Music
had a “close call” of drowning for their child. • More than two-thirds of those deaths occur in small natural May 19 – Roger Dean Baseball Events
• According to the National Autism Association, accidental bodies of water like creeks, lakes, rivers and ponds. and Fireworks on Page 3
This phenomenon is not May 20 – Billy Joel Tribute
entirely understood, but June 4 – Start Me Up Rolling Stones Tribute
researchers and professionals
studying this issue believe the
sparkle and movement may
be attractive. This along with GET ANSWERS TO YOUR WASTE
the effervescence, shimmer, MANAGEMENT QUESTIONS!
and possibly slight pressure on
VISIT THE TOWN OF JUPITER WEBSITE
Drowning Prevention And www.jupiter.fl.us
Autism on page 6