Parachute Jump lights up for autism awareness

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By Caroline Spivack

Brooklyn Paper

It was an illuminating evening.

The Coney Island Parachute Jump glowed electric blue on April 2 in honor of World Autism Day. The lighting was preceded by an event aiming to shine a light on the developmental disorder and its stigma, said an organizer behind the event.

“Events like this are important because with more autism awareness comes more acceptance,” said Coney Islander Veronica Droz, who has an autistic 16-year-old daughter, and runs the Coney Island Autism Angels. “People who aren’t aware think our kids are spoiled and are just misbehaving, and when you have events like this they see the different levels of autism, and accept our children and stop judging the parents.”

Autism spectrum disorder refers to a variety of developmental disorders with a wide range of symptoms, such as difficulty communicating and interacting with others or performing repetitive tasks, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.

The condition is often misunderstood, but Droz’s group seeks to foster an accepting environment with a weekly “Different Not Less Social Group” — which meets Mondays at the Coney Island YMCA from 6:30 to 8 pm — where kids do arts and crafts and enjoy free pool play.

Councilman Mark Treyger (D–Coney Island) helped put on the event, which marked its fourth anniversary, and featured Disney characters, face painting, and stands hawking chocolate lollipops. It was the largest turnout yet, said a spokeswoman for the councilman.

“This year was the biggest by far,” said Samantha Ross, who coordinated the event. “Even some people from Jersey showed up.”

The event also honored a trio of 60th Precinct police officers who helped rescued an autistic boy who had wandered off from school and waded through Coney Island Beach’s waters last spring.

The night culminated in a countdown that lit the towering structure to the tune of “We are the World.” It was an uplifting moment, said Ross.

“It was a beautiful night, and all for a good cause,” she said. “Next year will be even better.”

Reach reporter Caroline Spivack at [email protected] or by calling (718) 260–2523. Follow her on Twitter @carolinespivack.

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Parachute Jump lights up for autism awareness : Brooklyn Paper