Support Families affected by Autism (2009)
April 2, 2009
In 2009, we supported TACA, a great org which supports families affected by autism. (see 2010 charities here)
TACA (Talk About Curing Autism) provides information, resources, and support to families affected by autism, nationwide. TACA aims to speed up the cycle time from the autism diagnosis to effective treatments for families that have recently been diagnosed. TACA connects families and professionals that can help them and provides a venue for families at which they can share stories and information.
Your support of TACA makes all the difference in their ability to provide high quality programs and serve more families. 95% of all services are provided to families at absolutely no charge to them. In the event that there is a charge, scholarships are always available.
Autism Facts:
Autism is a devastating neurological and biological disorder that typically initially affects children between 18 months and five years of age.
- 1 in 150 children are diagnosed with autism
- More than 1.5 million Americans are affected
- Every 21 minutes a child is being diagnosed
- Autism receives much less funding than other diseases yet is the fastest growing disorder in our country!
Minnesota Chapter of TACA:
http://meetup.tacanow.org/minnesota/
TACA Programs:
Education and Support Meetings. TACA holds monthly meetings in 24 locations across the country. TACA’s meetings feature educational speakers on important topics and allow family members to connect with one another to stay on top of the latest information in the autism world.
Autism Journey Guide. This comprehensive guide provides families with the information they need to begin the autism journey. Guides are given away at no charge to families who have recently received the autism diagnosis.
Parent Education. TACA offers five full-day new parent orientation seminars, an annual medical seminar and a seminar aimed at educating physicians about how to care for people with autism.
Parent mentors are available to provide one-on-one support to families who have just received the autism diagnosis.
Autism Cares Partner. TACA is a partner member of Autism Cares, a consortium of leading autism organizations who have come together to provide financial support for individuals with autism and their families during natural disasters and other catastrophic life events, across the United States.
Family Scholarship Program. Scholarships are provided to help families who are pursing treatment for their children with autism, but are struggling to find the funding.
Live Chat. Sometimes families aren’t able to pick up the phone or come to a meeting to get the help they need. Through Live Chat on the TACA website, they can chat live with experienced TACA mentors to get the support they need.
Resource libraries. Each TACA location maintains a resource library of the latest autism books and tapes that can be checked out by members at no charge.
TACA’s adopt-a-family holiday program provides gifts, food and other necessities for families with autism who need help during the holiday season.
In 2009, TACA will launch three new programs through generous funding from the Pacific Life Foundation. These programs will include Spanish-language outreach in the autism community, advocacy support and independent assessment scholarships.
More information:
TACA’s accomplishments in 2008
Minnesota Meetups: http://meetup.tacanow.org/minnesota/
Visit http://www.tacanow.org
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