In 1908, the Swiss psychiatrist Eugen Bleuler first used the word “Autism,” employing it to describe a set of unusual symptoms in his patients. Thirty-five years later in a 1943 medical paper, Leo Kanner, M.D., described and recorded 11 cases of highly intelligent, socially withdrawn children. In the course of Kanner’s work, Donald Triplett, a brilliant 10-year-old boy from Forest, Miss., was recorded as “Case 1”- the first-ever diagnosis of autism. While these moments in history mark an early stage in knowledge about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), our understanding of the disorder has grown tremendously over the years. More so than ever before, there are numerous groups, organizations and programs to aid families and help those with ASD. Even with many resources available however, there are still too many who suffer silently. To bring awareness to this social issue, April has been designated as Autism Awareness Month.  

The cities of Gulf Breeze and Milton are in discussions to mirror Santa Rosa County’s proposed agreement to send residents’ recyclables to the new Emerald Coast Utilities Authority facility in Escambia County when it opens this summer.

For a building in which evidence is supposed to carry the day, the proposed new Santa Rosa County courthouse in Milton appears in need of a strong closing argument.

The clock is ticking on Santa Rosa County commissioners to make their case to voters for a 1-cent local option sales tax that would help pay for a new courthouse in Milton.