Studies show that autism is the fastestgrowing developmental disability in the country, and one Bedford girl is trying to make more people aware of its devastating effects.

Ryan Greenwood, a senior at West High School, will be holding an autism awareness seminar at Bethany Covenant Church on Sunday, April 13, when guest speakers will discuss the disability, and pamphlets and booklets will be provided.

“One out of 150 children in the U.S. is born with autism,” said Greenwood. “It is a growing issue as a whole.”

Greenwood is a Bedford Girl Scout who decided to do the project to earn her Gold Award. Her inspiration came from first-hand knowledge.

“I have an autistic brother,” said Greenwood. “He’s had a lot of help from his teachers at school. He’ll be able to go to college, get a job and do what neurotypical people (autistic people whose neurological development is within normal range) can do. He’s very, very smart.” She added, “I don’t think I would have done this if I didn’t have an autistic brother.”

Greenwood began her project in August when she and a few friends from school and church raised more than $1,000 during Dump Day at the Bedford transfer station. They plan to use the money to donate books on autism to the Bedford Library after the seminar.

When school started in September, Greenwood began working with autistic students in the special education department on Wednesdays during her free period. She helped them improve their social skills, and also worked with an autistic child at the church.

“It was interesting to see the low-functioning versus the high-functioning,” said Greenwood. “It was really interesting to see what they had to say.”

She also interviewed several people involved with autism, including nationally acclaimed psychologist Teresa Bolick, who specializes in autism; Paula Child, a special education teacher at West; and Julie Cyr, the mother of an autistic child. The interviews will be shown on BCTV following Greenwood’s seminar.

The seminar will feature guest speakers Michelle Jarvis, president of the Autism Society of New Hampshire, and Cheri Sullivan, the South Central/ Lakes Region facilitator of New Hampshire Connections. Several people helped Greenwood along the way.

“My parents have been really enthusiastic,” she said. Greenwood also thanks Adam Butler, youth pastor at Bethany Covenant Church, and his wife, Jessa.

“They’ve been there from the very beginning from staying with me the entire day for my Dump Day to Adam making sure that I could do my seminar at the church when I needed to,” said Greenwood.

And Janet Gagne, Greenwood’s adviser and an occupational therapist at West, was particularly helpful, she said.

When asked how she wants people to think of autism, Greenwood said, “Autism doesn’t define a person. They have emotions. They just have a harder time.”

And even though those with autism act differently, they should still be treated with respect.

“Love and compassion is the way to go,” she said. The seminar will be held at 3 p.m. on April 13 at Bethany Covenant Church, located on Route 101 in Bedford.

Fliers will also be posted around town advertising the event.

Greenwood, who has recently been accepted at UNH and plans to major in international relations and work with people as a career, hopes her project will bring community awareness, along with more help and compassion.

“My goal is to get the information out there,” she said. Greenwood also pointed out that April is National Autism Awareness Month.