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ASGC Mission Statement: “To serve the autism community by providing information, coordinating support services, and facilitating communication for the benefit of those with Autism Spectrum Disorders from diagnosis through adulthood.”

Autism Society of Greater Cleveland (ASGC) 
Monthly Support Group Round Table Meeting for Parents & Professionals          
Presentation on Loving a Child with Autism: A Family Affair; An evening for extended family members...
Presentor: Lisa R. Audet, CCC-SLP, Phd
Place:  Tuesday, February 14, 2012 ASGC Meeting
Time:  6:30-8:30 pm   
Location: The City of Independence Civic Center, 6363 Selig Drive, Independence, OH  44131 
Parents, Grandparents, Guardians & Professionals Session: FREE

Social Skills Session (in same bldg. @ same time):  Social Skills Session for children with autism spectrum disorders ages 6-19 and their siblings. Session is under the direction of Certified Special Education Teachers and trained typical children and teens as peer role models.

Cost for $10 per family (up to two children); Pre-registration for the kids is a must by Feb. 7, 2012. -- - Class space is LIMITED for the kids session.  

Grandparents and extended family provide a critical role in the lives of those with autism. Parents of children with autism benefit from support of extended family members. However, extended family members can be confused about the diagnosis of autism as well as some of the behaviors the child demonstrates. They also struggle with how to best support their family. In this presentation, family members will gain a better understanding of autism and learn ways to address behavior, sensory, and communication difficulties. 
 
Agenda:

All are encouraged to attend and participate in these discussions. Of course we will leave plenty of time to have an open discussion of whatever is on your mind, so join us for a rewarding opportunity to spend time with other participants. Our main purpose is always to have all attendees bring up for discussion what matters to them. You will learn so much from our group, just by asking questions and listening. ASGC board members will be on hand to answer any questions or concerns with all those who life's are touched in anyway by autism spectrum disorders. 

 The Greater Cleveland Chili Cook-off for Autism

Autism and the ASGC

Autism is a neurological disorder that can significantly affect one’s ability to communicate, to reason, and to interact with others. It is a spectrum disorder that affects individuals differently and to varying degrees of severity. It is estimated that as many as 1 in 110 children born today will have some form of autism, a statistic that represents a profound increase over recent years.

The Autism Society of Greater Cleveland (ASGC) is our local branch of The Autism Society of America (ASA), the largest and oldest grassroots organization advocating on behalf of the 1.5 million Americans living with autism. The ASGC is a volunteer organization that provides support and guidance to those with autism spectrum disorders and their families and caretakers.

ASGC Mission Statement: “To serve the autism community by providing information, coordinating support services, and facilitating communication for the benefit of those with Autism Spectrum Disorders from diagnosis through adulthood.”

New ASGC programs for this year include autism training of student aides and teachers of religion to allow easier access for those with autism, more resources for parents with a new diagnosis and autism education for police and other first responders that may save lives.

We can’t make any of this happen without the support of donors like you. The Autism Society of Greater Cleveland is an Ohio-based 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization.

Ohio Autism Task Force

Please contact your state senator and state representative as soon as possible to set up a meeting with them to discuss the recommendations - either in Columbus after the rally or in your home district. If you aren't able to set up a meeting - please write your legislators. There are 43 different recommendations that cover the spectrum of persons with autism and services for them and their families. Pick the two or three that you are most passionate about and speak to your legislators about those. Your meeting should be short - 15 minutes or less. Have a "bullet point" type list to speak from. Have your information in writing, as well as a copy of the report to give them so that they can refer to it at a later date. Tell a brief personal story of how you are directly impacted by the lack of a particular service. Any letters should be no more than one - two pages. Be clear and to the point! Remember - we want to win legislators over to support our issues, not beat them up or abuse them about the lack of services. Keep the meeting positive!

Not sure how to find your state legislators? Visit www.house.state.oh.us, click on "Your Representatives" and enter your zipcode. Visit www.senate.state.oh.us, click on "Your Senators" and enter your zipcode.

The next several months will be critical in reaching legislators with this important message. So please make an appointment today - or send a letter if you are unable to set up a meeting.

Credit for this message: Autism Society of Ohio