Denison mayor proclaims April 2026 as Autism Awareness Month

Mayor Robert Crowley read a city proclamation recognizing a local observance tied to autism and proclaiming April 2026 as Autism Awareness Month. The mayor invited Rena Dutton, founder and executive director of the Owen Foundation, and her son Owen to the front to receive the proclamation. The proclamation text praised increased public awareness, noted that autism is a lifelong condition affecting people across ages and backgrounds, and called for dignity, inclusion and access to resources.

The mayor said the city is "glad to have everyone here" and called the proclamation an opportunity to encourage acceptance and highlight community resources. The Owen Foundation was noted in the proclamation as serving the Texoma region and advocating for inclusion for individuals on the autism spectrum.

The ceremonial proclamation drew brief applause and marked the council’s recognition of local community groups focused on autism support and awareness. The transcript does not include further programmatic commitments or funding tied to the proclamation.