Friends -
The Washington Chapter of Talk About Curing Autism (TACA WA) was founded in January 2008 with the goal of providing information and connections to improve the quality of life for people with autism and their families. For families who have just received the autism diagnosis, TACA WA aims to speed up the cycle time that moves them from the diagnosis to the appropriate information that will lead to effective treatments and support. No membership fees are assessed on the families who participate in TACA WA.
A highlight for our chapter in 2010 was our second annual TACA WA Harvest Party held on Halloween. Hundreds attended and it was picked up on the local news - the weather was amazing and it turned out to be a wonderful event for the kids and their loved ones. See coverage on King5 News / Tacoma News Tribune
But TACA is so much more than a one day party. We are a foundation providing information and support for families in need. Our monthly meetings feature:
1. Free TACA Journey Guides - more than 300 pages of collective knowledge gathered from experienced paraprofessionals and parents - are offered free to all parents who attend meetings.
2. Speakers on topics ranging from traditional therapies, integrated medical treatments, education, and legal support.
3. Mentoring support - offering one-on-one access to experienced families who have successfully navigated the challenges of finding appropriate treatments and educational opportunities for their children is also facilitated with oversight from TACA's National Headquarters.
Since 2008 the volunteers of TACA WA have been working hard to fulfill its mission and are proud to report the following outcomes to date:
TACA WA participated in regional autism events in order to share resources, provide support, and offer information to parents, clinicians, and educators.
TACA WA has conducted monthly meetings in Tacoma serving hundreds of parents, clinicians, and educators. TACA WA has offered speakerson topics ranging from traditional therapies, integrated medical treatments, and education.
TACA WA provided more than 300 free Journey Guides to parents– the Journey Guides are more than 300 pages of collective knowledge gathered from experienced paraprofessionals and parents. In addition to the free Journey Guides, TACA WA offers a comprehensive resource table, a lending library, and mentoring for the TACA WA meeting attendees.
Northwest Porphyrins Study - In collaboration with the Autism Research Institute and the University of Washington; TACA WA has engaged in a regional porphyrins research study. The purpose of this study is to determine if porphyrins are elevated in the urine of children with autism in comparison with neurotypical children of the same age. Parents participating in this study will receive free results for their participating children.
TACA WA submitted “Angel Scholarship” applications to TACA National to benefit TACA WA families in financial need.
TACA WA has leveraged free autism diagnosis for TACA WA families through a University of Washington program.
In order to continue the good works for families affected by autism; contributions from individuals, businesses, and foundations are necessary. We would like to thank those who have already provided support to TACA WA; your support means so much. If you have not yet had the opportunity to help TACA WA fulfill its mission; we would like you to consider supporting TACA WA by making a tax-deductible contribution. Contributions to TACA WA would help underwrite the costs associated with continuing to provide vital resources to parents and children in need. Simply click on the below link to make a secure online contribution or send a check to the below address. We greatly appreciate your consideration.
Correspondence may be directed to:
TACA Washington
5417 Park Place Loop SE
Lacey, WA 98503
We look forward to providing you updates on the future successes of TACA Washington. Thank you for your generosity, interest and investment in supporting families affected by autism. Your contributions mean a great deal and we deeply value your trust and support of TACA Washington.
Love -
Dean and Denise