<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p><strong>From staff reports</strong></p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>The Burton Fire District is honoring the contributions of those with Autism and helping bring awareness to the fastest growing, yet according to the National Autism Association the most underfunded, developmental disorder.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>April is Autism Awareness Month, and Burton firefighters will be wearing specially made work shirts to not only bring awareness to this disorder, which effects one in 44 children according to the CDC, but also to let those who are affected, and their families, know that they are supported and that their array of experiences are recognized and honored.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>“When someone, along with their families, have unique challenges and differences, they can feel isolated and cutoff,” Burton Fire Chief Harry Rountree said in a release. “We hope by our firefighters wearing this shirt, it will let those dealing with this disorder know that they are seen and that we are aware, and support, their special requirements and needs.”</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>Burton fire officials state as health care providers, it is their duty to do what they can to support those with illnesses or disease, and to also bring awareness to the need for treatments, funding, and support.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->