We are looking forward to seeing you on
Saturday, May 17th
at Lawton Park
Starting at 12 noon

Registration for the Walk-To-Talk is available the day of the event, as pre-registration is closed.

To donate online, click one of the following buttons:

 



Autism is a neurological, developmental disorder that manifests itself in varying degrees of severity. Although no two individuals with Autism are alike, it is most often characterized by impairments in social interactions, communication and language, and the presence of repetitive and/or restricted behaviors.

Consider the facts:n varying degrees of severity. Although no two individuals with Autism are alike, it is most often characterized by impairments in social interactions, communication and language, and the presence of repetitive and/or restricted behaviors.

Consider the facts:
Consider the facts:

• 1 in 150 nationally are diagnosed with Autism.
• 1 in 128 in Indiana, 1 in 92 boys in Indiana.
• According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the incidence of Autism has increased 10-fold in the last decade.
• Autism has increased 24% per year in Indiana for the last 8 years.
• Autism receives less than 5% of the research funding for childhood diseases despite that it is the fastest growing developmental disability in the U.S.
• Intensive early intervention is critical and costs up to $40,000/year.

AWARENESS

Early and accurate diagnosis is critical to long-term outcomes. GROWTH Northeast Indiana is projected to have 100 children diagnosed with Autism in 2007. Accordingly our community needs to train 120 professionals to meet their education requirements. QUALITY Teaching children with Autism mandates specialized training which is not readily available in our community.

AFFORDABILITY

Due to reductions in government funding to schools and Medicaid Waivers, many families cannot afford to obtain adequate intervention for their children.

LOCAL SUMMER PROGRAMMING

Children with Autism require year-round intensive intervention, yet often do not qualify for extended school year services during the summer. Many children go from full or part-time support and multiple therapies during the school year to little or no support during the summer. It is critical for the individuals to have opportunities in the summer from therapeutic services to summer camps to recreational activities for further development of their academic, behavioral and social needs. Applications for Summer Programming are available by emailing info@ACTpositive.org or by calling (260) 609-7412