Autism does not have just one face, or one behavior. Today 1 in 100 individuals are diagnosed with autism, making it one of the most common disorders in children.
Children with autism can …
It’s not that children with autism do not relate to others, it’s that they do so differently than other children. Parents are usually the first to notice unusual behaviors in their child. If your child exhibits any of the above behaviors or you feel that something is not right, ask questions, trust your instincts. Autism can be helped and early intervention yields the best outcomes.
Parent Education Groups, designed just for adults, are geared toward educating parents of current interventions and supports for their child with autism. Families will receive handouts containing information and local resources related to the discussion topics. Groups can be attended individually for content or as a series for support. Parent Education Groups are facilitated by professionals dedicated to improving the lives and function of children and families living with special needs.
Family Night Out incorporates the entire family. We provide activities for children with autism, typically developing siblings and parents in a safe and encouraging environment that will allow families to interact with and support other families living with autism. Family Night Out is held throughout the community with such events as bowling, playing at a gymnastics studio, going to the movies, or at an outdoor picnic at We Care.
Parent-to-Parent Support Groups provide an informal time for parents to talk about common issues, challenges and successes. The groups are facilitated by trained parent volunteers, and open to all families affected by autism, both newly diagnosed and those in varying places along their journey. Autism can be an invisible disability and many times parents experience unrealistic expectations and judgments of others who do not understand the dynamics of autism and the effects that it can have on families. The meetings provide a safe and nurturing environment for parents to share their experiences and build connections. The Parent-to-Parent Support Group is for parents only as childcare is not available.
Summer Camp provides learning, recreational and social activities for children with an autism spectrum disorder between the ages of 2 and 12 each summer. There will be fun and social opportunities for the children who participate and respite time for moms and dads!
Families with a child with any autism spectrum disorder, up to age 7, are encouraged to participate. There is no cost to join the AFSP. Many events are free of charge, some have a nominal fee.
“My son sat through the entire movie which he has never done before. It brought tears to my eyes knowing that we could go see a movie in a safe environment where everyone at the movie theatre understood and did not give you any strange looks. A huge thank you to AFSP for making this event possible. Without AFSP our family would never be able to go to the movies.”
“Thank you and thanks to “We Care Autism Family Support Project.” This was the first time we have taken our son to a movie. I was not sure how he would do, but it went so well. We appreciate this event so very much, it was not stressful, as I knew that the other parents would understand if he didn’t want to sit or stay quiet…We plan to take him again for another movie in the future.”
“I have attended several parent education events sponsored by the AFSP that have dramatically increased my knowledge and confidence and have enabled me to more effectively advocate for my child. The variety of programs offered provides accessible and applicable information to much appreciative parents.”
“I just wanted to take a moment to thank you so much for all the information and services you provide. It is so helpful to me as a parent to be able to get such information I wouldn’t ordinarily come across. Thank you for all you do!”
“We all had a great time at the baseball game last month. It was the first visit to a big ball park and a pro ball game for my two boys. We were able to have that experience thanks to your work and to AFSP. It was greatly appreciated!”
For more information, contact Vi Ibarra, Project Coordinator at (925) 671-0777, ext 14 or vibarra@wecarechildren.org.
