Autism Day at the Philadelphia Zoo

0

This past Sunday, MetroKids was pleased to be part of the Greater Philadelphia Autism Society's annual Autism Awareness Day at the Philadelphia Zoo. The sun was shining, the weather windy but warm, and spirits were high as thousands of families with kids on the autism spectrum came out to enjoy the animals — not to mention the solidarity of others who share their daily challenges and triumphs.

Appearances by the Phillies Phanatic, Elmo, Spidey, Diego and other friends made for great photo ops. A live band in the tent kept kids bopping. The kangaroos in the exhibit directly across from our table were hopping happily. And the info provided by the dozens of autism-support organizations and advocates in attendance at the Autism Expo gave parents new ways of looking at their kids' diagnoses.

At our table alone, we spoke with hundreds of parents and kids from all over the Delaware Valley and beyond, distributing magazines and animal tattoos while conducting one of our popular giveaways. Congrats to the following winners:

Amanda K., winner of a family four-pack to Scooby-Doo Live: Musical Mysteries at the Tower Theater, May 18

Meghan N., winner of a family four-pack to the Do You Know Pippi Longstocking? exhibit at the American Swedish Historical Museum

The parents who stopped at our table were candid about the autism topics they want most to read about. As we begin work on the 2014 edition of our dedicated SpecialKids publication, out this August, we will integrate their questions and concerns into articles everyone will be able to read on our SpecialKids portal. Thanks to everyone who came by to say hello and to our partners at the Greater Philadelphia Autism Society. It was a terrific day.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here