Families with ASD

Statistics on Autism

• 1 in every 100 children have some form of Autism.
• Autism afflicts between 1-1.5 million Americans.
• Autism is the Fastest-Growing Developmental Disorder in the Nation.
• 172% Increase in the 1990's, and we don't know why.
• 80 % of marriages end in divorce within 5 years of diagnosis.

To form a network of families touched by ASD, Autism Spectrum Disorders, for support, education, and to promote awareness and understanding by:

Objectives:

Raise awareness and promote understanding

• Hand out information at the Annual Families with ASD Autism Expo
• Promote public awareness through accessories (t-shirts, magnets, etc.)
• Fundraising events for autism to help spread awareness and understanding
• Form the Parents of Adults with Autism Task Force and spread Adult Autism Awareness.

Organize and share resources

• Host the Annual Families with ASD Autism Expo
• Create a library of books, tapes, videos, etc.via the Autism Family Resource Center
• Create and distribute the Families with ASD Autism Yellow Pages
• Create and maintain the Web-site, and on-line support group
• Calendar of Events: On-line Calendar updated weekly for families to use

Help families touched by ASD

• Host and organize Family-friendly support group meetings, group outings, & parties
• Arrange for guest speakers to present information to families
• Help families connect and network with service providers that can advocate for their family

Facilitate change and continuous improvement in our schools

• Connect families with Educational advocates for IEP meetings
• Educate parents on Federal/State laws