In celebration of Autism Awareness month, Stonington’s La Grua Center will hold its fourth annual “Celebrating Art in Autism” exhibition.

Showcasing dozens of works by autistic artists of all ages, the show hopes to break down preconceived notions of what one with autism can and can’t do while also celebrating those with the mental condition. Autism, though well known, is often widely misunderstood. Its growing prevalence among American children, according to the Autism Society, has increased ten-fold from 2000 to 2010 (119.4 percent, to be exact). And today, more than 3.5 million Americans live with an autism spectrum disorder.

Taking a moment to consider the artistic ingenuity of those whose work is in the show, then, seems like a step to help broaden our understanding of the condition and how people living with it may perceive the world around them.

The exhibit will run through April 30. Admission is free, though a donation of $5 is suggested. The venue is located at 32 Water St., Stonington. Hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Fri.; (860) 535-2300, www.lagruacenter.org.

— Mary Biekert