CT: Autism Awareness Day; 'Autism, in my view, is a blessing'

April 28, 2025, Fox61, Hartford, CT: “Autism, in my view, is a blessing.” | Advocates gather for fourth annual Autism Awareness Day at state capitol 

https://www.fox61.com/article/news/local/hartford-county/hartford/advocates-gather-fourth-annual-autism-awareness-day-state-capitol/520-96e594c5-c25c-469b-875b-f1d979b8b1d1#  

Connecticut's Autism Awareness Day highlighted transitioning and emphasized advocacy and resource access for those with autism.

Monday was Autism Awareness Day at the Connecticut State Capitol. 

The theme of this year’s event was “transitioning.” Those with autism and their parents spoke about the importance of access to resources, funding and independence.    

“Be the adult that you didn't have when you were growing up and look where I am right now. I am now the adult that I didn't have when I was growing up,” said Denzel Closs.

Closs was diagnosed with autism at 15. “The autism community needs something to get their stories out in the open and feel and have their voices heard, versus feeling ignored, sidestepped, even cast aside.” 

Closs is now a self-advocate, graduate of Goodwin University and mentor. 

“When I gave them the voice, I knew something beautiful was about to blossom in the air, knowing that something good was about to come about,” Closs said. “I used to be a client back then, and now I am an employee, which I love very much.”

Closs spoke about his transition to college and working life at the Capitol’s annual Autism Awareness Day. 

“This is the people's house and what better place to raise awareness about autism and really look for support from community to understand the issues that affect people who are on the spectrum and their families,” explained Melvette Hill, executive director of the Connecticut Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity, and Opportunity (CWCSEO), which puts on the event. 

“We're really focused on those who had transitioned into higher education in different spaces of their life where they're thriving, we really want to elevate those stories of success, but also address the issues that continue to exist,” Hill continued.

Darlene Borre is a parent advocate and mother of a son with profound autism. Monday, she discussed the challenges and isolation he faces.

“We worry about our children,” she said. “Have I taught them enough? Will they make good choices when I'm not around? But there's a special type of dread for those who are most vulnerable.” 

Borre said awareness is important, but so is action. 

“We did everything you could do, we put him on the diets, we did the supplements,” she added. “Sometimes autism just unfolds. We're looking at his future every day, the system is unprepared. This is why awareness is not enough.” 

“Advocacy is the most important thing. Always fight for what matters to you,” Closs said. “Autism, in my view, is a blessing, not a disease like some individual made on the news about saying that it's a disease. I don't see it as a disease. I see it as a blessing.”