Team Mario in Pharr helps raise awareness, promote acceptance for autism [Video]

April is Autism Acceptance Month, and Team Mario is one of many Rio Grande Valley organizations raising awareness about it and promoting acceptance.

“I think that individuals with autism have so much to offer our community,” Team Mario Program Director Lisa Becerra said.

Becerra is making a difference for kids in the Valley with Team Mario in Pharr. The local non-profit helps children and families navigate autism.

“Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder, and it impacts how an individual communicates and interacts with the world around them,” Becerra said.

According to the CDC, Autism Spectrum Disorder affects one in 36 children in the United States. Experts say symptoms my vary, and they can show up as early as 18 months.

“They might have a lot of challenging behaviors, they might avoid eye contact, they might have some ritualistic behaviors so they have to have the same routine every morning, they might …