WellCare Helps Bring Awareness to Autism

POUGHKEEPSIE – 1in 64 children born will be autistic. A total of 1 to 1.5 million Americans live with an autism spectrum disorder. The numbers are staggering, and they are growing.

WellCare, an affordable health insurance company, whose sole Hudson Valley branch resides on 347 Main Street in the City of Poughkeepsie, wanted to raise awareness about this increasingly prevalent diagnosis. They found the ideal forum in the month of April, Autism Awareness Month. Last Wednesday the community-minded organization held an event at their site’s front entrance Welcoming Center Room. Their objectives were clear.

“We want to let the community know about our Welcome Center here at WellCare; in addition to the community action programs we offer,” said Theresa Conti, supervisor for Medical Sales. “We want them to know they can ask for information on health-related topics.”

Wednesday’s focus was on autism. A complex developmental disability, autism usually surfaces during the first three years of life, affecting normal brain functioning.

Key symptoms usually involve challenges with both verbal and non-verbal communication as well as social interactions. In order to assist visitors with a more clear understanding of autism, a host of literature was available, as well WellCare workers, eager to share their knowledge on the disorder’s specifics.

“This is a very important event, as autism really has become a big issue today; in the past, folks were not diagnosed until much later on in life,” pointed out Casey Ruede, Provider Relations Representative. “This event focuses on the different types and signs of autism, as well as its diagnosis, coping with care, and other essentials.”

In addition to the Welcoming Room serving as a backdrop to Wednesday’s autism awareness, it will also be used on a rotating, monthly basis for upcoming medical forums this year.

This month, a dental workshop will be held; while, a Breast Cancer Awareness Month event is slated for October as well as a yet to be determined colon cancer event, featuring colonoscopies and colon rectal screenings.

“We really want to welcome in the public and work with the community toward educating them about different key medical issues that affect them,” said Ruede. “It’s very important that we do this kind of work with the population that we directly service on a daily basis.”