Students for Autism
Vital Stats
Julie L
Carpinteria, CA- people helped20
- People Doing It35
The Problem
Autism Spectrum Disorder is a complex neurobiological disorder that appears within the first two-and-a-half years of childhood and typically lasts throughout a person’s lifetime.
Some characteristics of autism include:
-delayed development of speech
-isolation from other people
-lack of eye contact
-preoccupation with hands
-hypersensitivity to certain sounds, textures, and foods
-hypersensitivity to new environments
-repetitive behavior
Autism Statistics:
-Autism now affects 1 in 110 children and 1 in 70 boys
-More children will be diagnosed with autism this year than with AIDS, diabetes & cancer combined
-Autism receives less than 5% of the research funding of many less prevalent childhood diseases
-There is no medical detection or cure for autism
However, early diagnosis and intervention improve outcomes, which is why people need to take action.
Plan of Action
The goals of Students for Autism are divided into three categories: to inform people about Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD); to promote activism and volunteerism; and to raise funds for autism research and special education.
Our main focus right now is on making donations to and collaborating with local public schools in the Carpinteria and Santa Barbara School Districts. Currently, the Director of Special Education, inclusion specialist, and I are planning an after school program at Aliso that provides a variety of activities for special education students and volunteer opportunities for high school students. Students for Autism will provide the funds needed to purchase any materials and hold educational presentations to teach students and adults in the community about autism.
