Did you know autism is now the fastest growing disability in the United States? According to estimates provided by the Centers for Disease Control, 1 in every 110 US children will receive a diagnosis of autism. Data provided by the Louisiana Department of Education reports a 400% + increase in students with autism since 1995.
The Autism Society of Acadiana, or ASAC, is a non-profit organization and a regional chapter in good standing with our national organization, the Autism Society of America. The Acadiana Chapter began as a small gathering of parents and professionals in 1985 intent on providing support, education, and resources to local families raising a child with autism. We have since grown to an organization of 600 memberships from the 8 parishes we serve. Our challenge is to continue to serve individual families as the autism community continues to expand. Our commitment to the autism community focuses on 1) support, 2) awareness, 3) education, and 4) recreation.
Our Walk for Hope, Family Fun Day, is a family-friendly event to raise awareness about autism and is our major fundraiser for ASAC. The proceeds from our events stay in Acadiana and are used to: fund stipends for families to attend seminars and conferences; for the production and distribution of our quarterly newsletters; to host recreational gatherings for families; to fund educational mini-grants; to present speakers and host conferences and workshops. Funds are also used to support our administrative office and resource/support facility, which we opened in March of 2010. Through our programs and services, we strive to make a positive impact on families affected by autism, assisting them as they travel along in their journey.
For additional help or information, contact ASAC at (337) 235-4425 or click here
