From 1 in 10,000 in 1987 to 1 in 150 in 2008: autism rates are skyrocketing, and awareness of autism is increasing worldwide as well as locally.

The United Nations has proclaimed April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day, April is Autism Awareness Month in the USA, and Waco Mayor Virginia DuPuy is proclaiming the week of April 13 - 19 as Waco's Week for Autism.

On the weekend of April 18-19, several events in Waco will raise money and awareness to benefit programs that serve local families. A local support group, the Heart of Texas Autism Network, is organizing the first annual Waco Walk for Autism on Saturday, April 19th, at Baylor University. Following the Walk, the Autism Family Resource Center for Central Texas (also at Baylor) will have an Open House.

On Friday April 18th, an Autism in Action Art Show and Auction at TSTC will showcase art created by area students with autism (see related iWitness article, “Autism in Action to host UMHB Art Day" at http://www.kwtx.com/iwitness/headlines/17063391.html.)

Funds raised by the Walk and the Art campaign will benefit the Arc of McLennan County's Summer Day Camp program and the Autism Family Resource Center. In addition, art auction proceeds will also go towards providing scholarships for students with autism.

More information and registration forms for the Walk can be found at www.hotautismnetwork.org.

Autism is a complex, lifelong neurobiological disorder. It is part of a group of disorders known as Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). It is more common than pediatric cancer, diabetes, and AIDS combined.

Autism rates are skyrocketing, and Texas is no exception. From 2000 to 2006, the number of schoolchildren Texas with autism almost tripled, going from approximately 6,000 to almost 17,000.

Autism Society of America estimates lifetime cost of caring for a person with autism ranges from $3.5 to $5 million. However, the cost of that lifelong care can be reduced by as much as 2/3 with early diagnosis and intervention, according to a recent London School of Economics study.

In the Heart of Central Texas, there are very few resources for families, educators, and professionals who care for someone with an autism spectrum disorder.

There is a critical and urgent need for parent training and support, as well as for trained and qualified educators, therapists and caseworkers. Demand is high, and will continue to rise. People with training and experience in these areas are highly sought after.

The Summer Day Camp and the Family Autism Resource Center are two programs that provide help and support for our community.

Every summer, the The Arc of McLennan County has an 8-week day camp for children with disabilities, including a unique and specialized curriculum for children with autism. Many parents could not be able to work during the summer if it were not for the Arc Summer Day Camp.

The Autism Family Resource Center for Central Texas first opened on January 28th after being awarded a Baylor/Waco Foundation grant for 2008. The center will ensure that resources, trainings, workshops, coordination of available services and a team approach are available to the community.

Research in autism has become a national priority. The passage of the Combating Autism Act by Congress, increased funding by NIH, and institutions such as Autism Speaks have created many more sources for funds and opportunities for research.

Texas' Dept of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) recently awarded funds to 4 programs in Texas to provide intervention and therapies to children with autism.

Also in Texas, last summer the Texas Legislature passed a law saying insurance companies can no longer refuse to cover autism-related treatments for very young children (ages 2-6).

Texas Education Agency’s new State Commissioner’s Rules now require that students with autism receive very specific educational interventions and that teachers be trained in proven strategies for autism.

The Texas Senate just released its interim charges for various committees on issues that they are supposed to make recommendations for legislation going into the next state session. For the Senate Education Committee, Charge #1 is to “study the effectiveness of public school programs serving special education students, including autistic students.”

Resources:
For more information on the Arc of McLennan County, go to http://www.wacoarc.org, or contact Tom Pearson at 254-756-7491 or tpearson@hot.rr.com.

For more information about the Autism Family Resource Center, go to http://www.baylor.edu/soe/autism/, contact Dr. Julie Ivey at 254-710-7584 or email her at Julie_Ivey@baylor.edu.

H.O.T. Autism Network is an organization of families, friends, educators, and professionals who care about people with autism spectrum disorders. The group holds monthly meetings, invites speakers, and provides networking and support for members. For more information, and to register for the Walk, go to www.hotautismnetwork.org, or contact Anita Karney at 254-666-8846.

The Autism in Action campaign, sponsored by TSTC's Student Government Association, helps autistic children in Region 12 create artwork which will be auctioned off on Friday, April 18. Proceeds will go to the Autism Resource Center, the Arc's Summer Day Camp, and will also fund scholarships for students with autism. For more information on Autism in Action, go to http://www.waco.tstc.edu/autism/, or contact Charity Wilson, TSTC St