Becky Boswell, MBA, Executive Director
April is National Autism Awareness Month. The Autism Society Central Virginia will be hosting and participating in numerous events throughout our community this month to share awareness, understanding, and acceptance of this developmental disability that now affects 1 in 6
8 individuals and 1 in 42 boys (CDC, March 2014).
The Autism Society Central Virginia is the local support organization for individuals with autism and their families. This non-profit organization provides information and resources, education, advocacy, services, and supports for individuals at any age and any stage. However, the greatest benefit of involvement in the Autism Society Central Virginia will always be our community – networking and learning from parents and individuals on the spectrum who are walking a similar path!
Recently, several individuals shared stories of how participation in the Autism Society Central Virginia has made a difference in their lives:
Donna Sabel , ASCV Board Member and mom to a teen on the spectrum, recently shared: “The other evening at dinner, our son announced to us that he was glad he had autism. He said it made his brain so he can remember a lot of details that help people when they buy cars and TVs. Also, if he didn’t have autism, he wouldn’t be able to go to all the cool things that the Autism Society puts on. He wouldn’t have met 2 of his friends. ASCV has been helping to improve his life ever since Bradford helped me through his IEP going into KG, but very cool to hear him acknowledge it from his perspective. I know you all are crazy busy, but know that your efforts truly positively impact affected individuals and families.”
Rosa Fernandez, mom to a young son with autism, told us: “ASCV has trips, classes, etc. for kids and adults under the spectrum. They do so much…too much. And that’s a great thing. I can’t help but cry at times. They’ve helped my son and me so much. I love this organization!!!!! I took their IEP BootCamp and I benefited from enlightening myself with all that information. I was able to help my son. Thank you so much. We’re truly blessed to be members.”
Allison Thurman, mom to an elementary age son, described her experience at one of our educational programs: “The ASCV IEP Boot Camp held in October was an INCREDIBLE training experience for my husband and me in our journey with our son through the public school system. Unlike many other IEP training opportunities that are often expensive and that primarily address the IDEA regulations, the ASCV IEP Boot Camp emphasized person-centered planning and a long term vision for your child, approaches for collaboration, and lessons learned from the instructor’s personal experiences. What a great opportunity this was for all the parents that attended!”
Shawn Kirk, an adult self-advocate and ASCV Board Member has shared: “If were not for the Autism Society Central Virginia I would not be where I am today. They have helped me out and many others affected by autism in ways more than I can begin to describe.”
Learn more about what the ASCV has to offer and how you can help us make a difference for all affected by autism in our community at www.ascv.org. We hope you will consider joining us for our 13th Annual 5K Run/Walk for Autism on May 23rd – the funds raised through this and all of our fundraising events stay here in our community to help individuals and families living with autism today.
Help Richmondmom raise money for ASCV when you join us for Wine Down at the Wine Loft, Wednesday, May 6, 2015. $10 at the door and money from raffle tickets will go directly to the Autism Society Central Virginia.
