On Sunday, the White House had an unusual but soothing blue tint, a simple but poignant gesture of respect for both World Autism Awareness Day and April as Autism Awareness Month.

Often misunderstood, the Autism Spectrum Disorder is more prevalent than most might realize, occurring in one out of every 68 births. As the fastest-growing developmental disability, autism's symptoms include ongoing social problems that include difficulty communicating and interacting with others; repetitive behaviors and limited interests or activities; and a negative effect on one's ability to function at school, work or in other areas of life.

Since 2001, autistic children, teens, adults and their families from Pueblo, El Paso, Fremont, Alamosa and Las Animas counties have been served through the Soaring Eagles Center for Autism in Pueblo West.

Founded by Dr. Karen Colvin and Nancy Barris, this community-based, nonprofit organization began as a support group of 12 parents of autistic children, meeting in a rented space. Out of a growing need for affordable autism services, SECA quickly expanded to offer a wide range of therapies and education designed to give those with autism a better chance at a normal and productive life.

The center has experienced such growth that plans for a $1.5 million, 5,300-square-foot expansion to the campus, to fully meet the needs of teens and adults, have been announced.

Once this new addition is finished -- potentially by the end of the year -- the main building will be completely dedicated to serving the younger children.

While the center currently has more than 40 families on its service roster, due to space restrictions, there exists a waiting list of 77 families. Colvin is confident that once the new space is created, that list can be whittled down considerably.

"As far as Autism Awareness Month, we want people to be aware that autism changes a family's life," Colvin said. "Our purpose and mission here is to make it so that people with autism can live effectively within our community."

Colvin points out that SECA's most recent milestone is approval by the Department of Developmental Disabilities to begin providing additional disability services.

In addition to behavioral day programs, SECA now offers respite care (in-home relief for caregivers) and a community connector program which sees trained therapists attend community events with clients.

"No other respite care providers in Pueblo County have staff trained to work with children with ASD," Colvin added. "Our training is what distinguishes us."

It is this training that ensures that no one is ever turned away.

"Many of our students have been expelled from regular day care centers due to their behaviors," Colvin explained. "But SECA's staff is trained to de-escalate and re-direct inappropriate behaviors. We do not dismiss children because of their behaviors -- we work with them to see them through to a better way."

For more information about the center or autism, visit soaringeaglesautism.com.

jpompia@chieftain.com