Arts ‘n Autism, an afterschool program for local children and young adults with autism, is offering a community-wide event Thursday, Nov. 14, to raise awareness for the growing prevalence of autism.

The event, “An Evening of Art…and Autism,” will provide the community with the opportunity not only to support the program and autism awareness but to purchase works of art by children in the program via silent auction.

Arts ‘n Autism began in 2004 as an afterschool program for local kids with autism. Beginning with only eight kids, the program has grown to accommodate 50 kids and young adults, ranging from 3 to 22 years of age.

“We offer a variety of activities that are therapy-based in order to address the areas where the children struggle, whether in communication or social or processing skills,” Suzanne Dowling, director of development, said. Dowling said Arts ‘n Autism is the only program of its kind in west Alabama. She said it is their priority that no one is turned away from the program due to a lack of resources.

“Autism affects all income levels and all races,” Dowling said. “Although we charge tuition for the program, we won’t ever turn away a family that cannot make the payment. As a result, only 40 percent of our funding comes from tuition, and we must raise the other 60 percent through fundraisers such as ‘An Evening of Art…and Autism.’”

In addition to fundraising, another primary goal of “An Evening of Art…and Autism” is to make known the prevalence of autism. Debbie Glass, a member of the Arts ‘n Autism board of directors, said the current rate of autism is 1 in 88 people but that it is not something to shy away from.

“The fact of the matter is that autism is prevalent,” Glass said. “It is a subject that people need to be educated in, because it is inevitable that they will come in contact with a person with autism at some point in their lives.”

“An Evening of Art…and Autism” will take place at Harrison Gallery Thursday from 6-8 p.m. Tickets are $30 for one or $50 for a pair.