VILLAS — “Autism does not end when April is done,” Lower Township resident Jacyn Pisieczko said during a Township Council meeting April 7.
Mayor Frank Sippel proclaimed April Autism Awareness Month for Lower Township.
“I urge all residents of Lower Township to participate in the Autism Awareness Month activities and become better educated on the subject of autism spectrum disorders,” Sippel said.
Pisieczko, 24, has been speaking before Township Council since 2008 when he was 7 years old. He provided insight into living with autism and proudly showed off the paintings he made in an art program at Maverick Studios.
His mother, Lisa Bryant, takes him once a week to the art studio, where he learns painting skills. Some paintings take several weeks, he said.
“I visualized the pictures that I paint through memory,” Pisieczko said. “I want to thank my mom as well as Carol Anne [Futrell] for helping me do a creative talent that I love doing very much.”
The paintings included Thanksgiving and Christmas scenes, nature scenes, autism awareness and his favorite video game character, Sonic. He said he is always looking forward to what painting he will make next.
Pisieczko emphasized the importance and need for acceptance and understanding of autism, even when it may be difficult.
“A little kindness and the ability to try your best to understand goes a very long way,” he said.
According to Autism Speaks, in the United States, one in 36 children and one in 45 adults have autism. Boys are nearly four times more likely to be diagnosed with autism than girls.
Sharing his journey is very important to Pisieczko, and he is thankful for the support of the council, his teachers, and Faces for Autism.
“I’d like to thank you all once again for having me talk to you, not only speak about facts on autism, but also what new things I am doing with this new chapter of my life,” he said.
Sippel thanked Pisieczko and Bryant for attending meetings for the past 17 years and presented Pisieczko with a copy of the council’s proclamation.
– STORY and PHOTO by RACHEL SHUBIN/For the Cape May Star and Wave
AT TOP: Assemblyman Erik Simonsen and Township Council mark Autism Awareness Month with painter Jacyn Pisieczko and his mother Lisa Bryant.
