In honor of Autism Awareness Month, teachers, therapists and staff led a parade for students near The HeartShare School in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn on Wednesday, April 5th.

The HeartShare School in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn hosted its 7th Annual Autism Awareness Parade on Wednesday, April 5th. The School also teamed up with Kiwanis and Raymour for a fundraiser on Sunday, April 23. The event, hosted at the 410 Gateway Drive store, featured a special performance by those who live at the HeartShare children’s residence. There also were games, refreshments and an opportunity to win a gift certificate to the furniture store.

“Many parents and caretakers turn to HeartShare during a time of crisis,” said Executive Director Carol Verdi. “Parents may know their child has a developmental delay, but unsure how to access resources. We want the New York community to know we’re here to help.”

The HeartShare School offers a rigorous curriculum, therapies, and extracurricular activities for children with autism ages 5-21. One of those children, Tallal, was featured in a HeartShare Gala video story. Twelve year old Tallal spoke for the first time in his life after receiving five years of education and therapies at The HeartShare School.

“During the course of my career, I have seen so many children on the spectrum, who were non-verbal at first, learn how to express themselves in our care,” Verdi said. “At HeartShare, we always believe in human potential.”