Thank you for visiting our fundraising page.  You can help area children with autism have a brighter future with your tax deductible donation.  Together we can really make a difference. 

I know that you have heard alot about autism lately.  The early warning signs, what early intervention therapies are available, how the incidence of autism has increased dramatically ....but what nobody talks about is what happens after they become adults...the long-term care that will be necessary for many of these children once they reach adulthood.  "You might think that, like children in a fairy tale, children with autism never grow up."(from Linda Davis article "Who will care for autistic kids once their parents are gone", Washington Post, April 3, 2008)

While schools are just now coming to grips with this horrible epidemic, no one seems to be planning for how to cope with the care that will be necessary once these children reach adulthood.  But, our non-profit group is planning for this and working for a farm-based residential community for adults with autism in our community.  Below you will find information about us and about our goals.  For a group of parents/caregivers with no paid staff or even an office...we have accomplished alot!!  Please help us make this dream a reality through your donations!!

About Us: The Autism Support Group of Genesee County is a charitable 501c3 organization providing support, assistance, and advocacy for area families of children with autism.  Our long-term goal is the development of a farm-based residential community for adults with autism to provide for the care and supported work opportunities that many of these children will need once they become adults.  Our organization has no paid staff and no offices/administrative expense so all donations go directly to benefit area families of children with autism.  Our work is done entirely by volunteers dedicated to creating a better future for area children with autism.

Some of our Accomplishments:                                                                                            *  We have provided over $75,000 in grants to area families to help pay for various autism related expenses such as speech, sensory, behaviorial, and social therapies; respite care for families; specialized equipment; diet; medical and dental expenses, etc.  It is important to note that most health insurance policies do not cover autism  related expenses.    

 *  We have advocated for Autism Insurance Reform with the Michigan Legislature.    

*  We provide monthly activities at no cost to families of children with autism (including siblings).  These activities provide the parents with an opportunity to interact with other parents, siblings get to see that they are not the only one with an 'odd' brother or sister, and the autistic child gets access to community activities.  We have provided Holiday themed parties, bowling/pizza outings, indoor water park events, fishing with a 'Buddy' (a joint project with Tall Pines Boy Scouts).   

*  We have been fundraising for our farm-based residential community project and have raised over $45,000 for this project.  We are working with the staff at Bittersweet Farms, an Ohio-based farmstead for adults with autism, in order to replicate the highly successful Bittersweet Farm model here in Genesee County.  www.bittersweetfarms.org 

*  We are working with a local farmer and will begin offering a 'farm experience' for many area 'special' farmers this summer.  They will be able to plant, tend and harvest a garden and learn about and help care for all the different farm animals.