Texas Border Business
PHARR, Texas – In honor of National Autism Awareness Month, Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD hosted its 9th Annual Autism Awareness Walk on Saturday, April 9, 2022 at the PSJA ISD Stadium in Pharr.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex developmental disability with signs that typically appear during early childhood and affect a person’s ability to communicate and interact with others. According to the Center for Disease Control, autism is the fastest-growing development disability affecting our country.
As part of the event, hundreds of students, parents, staff, and community members walked together to raise awareness for the millions affected nationwide.
The event included a beautiful keynote speech from PSJA T. Jefferson T- STEM Early College High School Alumna Estela Martinez who is on the spectrum. Martinez graduated with an Associate Degree from South Texas College while at PSJA ISD and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Rehab Services. She is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Rehab Counseling.
“Thank you to everyone who joined us for this important event,” said PSJA Superintendent Dr. Jorge L. Arredondo. “We are proud to come together with our community to raise awareness and support our students and families. Thank you to our team for leading these efforts.”
The 9th Annual PSJA Autism Awareness Walk was led by the PSJA Special Education Department. The district thanks the numerous vendors and sponsors who joined in support of the event, as proceeds will benefit student seniors in the spectrum through scholarships from the PSJA Education Foundation.
