Letter: A united front addressing autism

Posted 5/22/16

To the editor:

Autism is the fastest growing developmental disability in the world. There is no known cause, and it is a lifelong responsibility — and often, an emotional and financial struggle …

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Letter: A united front addressing autism

Posted

To the editor:

Autism is the fastest growing developmental disability in the world. There is no known cause, and it is a lifelong responsibility — and often, an emotional and financial struggle — for parents and caregivers.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, 1 in every 68 children born in the United States today is diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). That number translates to more than 10,000 families in Rhode Island — and more than 2,000 East Bay families who are raising a child on the autism spectrum.

In 2015, after surveying families living with autism in the East Bay, The Autism Project of Johnston, and Bristol Rotary’s Charities Foundation discovered that too often, it was difficult — in some cases impossible — for these families and their children to access urgently needed ASD training and direct support services.

These families felt isolated and frustrated by the lack of ASD support in the East Bay. The Autism Project and Bristol Rotary entered into an agreement to bring ASD support closer to home.

A 10-volunteer advisory council was created consisting of local health care professionals, town council members, and education and business leaders. With their guidance and the financial support of the East Bay community, The Autism Project – East Bay Support Center opened its doors in September 2015.

It never would have happened without help from many organizations and individuals, many who are parents or grandparents of children with ASD.

We want to thank particularly Founding Sponsors, a group of generous donors from the East Bay who donated $1,000 to $10,000 each. Thanks also to the East Bay Chamber of Commerce, the Highlander School and Mt. Hope High School, which donated facilities for the support center’s activities.

Last September, David and Barbara Frerichs of Frerichs Farm in Warren generously hosted the successful Good Old Days Fair, not only to help fund the East Bay Support Center but to bring awareness to the general public of an issue close to their hearts.

The East Bay community came forward to help here as well. The Warren-Barrington Rotary members provided the infrastructure: their tent, tables, chairs, cooking and serving equipment, as well as staffing. The Knights of Columbus donated food and beverages. Bristol Rotary and The Autism Project provided organization and staff.

Everyone cooperated to bring the event together, contributed their spirit, energy, love and passion to help this cause, particularly the Frerichs.' And, they’re all doing it again this year – Sept. 25.

Sustaining and growing The Autism Project – East Bay Support Center is too large an objective for any single organization. This has been made clear by the demand already placed on the center. Bristol Rotary and The Autism Project would like to enlist the participation of other organizations throughout the East Bay to bring help to our East Bay families living with ASD.

Please visit our website at www.theautismproject.org/east-bay-support-center; see the video on the Center.

Bruce Cox

Tiverton

Mr. Cox is president of Bristol Rotary's Charity Foundation.

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