Autism Matters provides local support

MANAWA - Autism is a severe lifelong developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life. It is a neurological disorder that affects the brain, interfering with normal development in the areas of social interaction and communication.

Children and adults with Autism typically have difficulties in verbal and nonverbal communication, social interaction and leisure or play activities. This disorder makes it difficult for them to communicate with the outside world. Many people with Autism will never marry, or even be able to live independently.

? Many Children with autism are non-verbal and have a difficult time communicating their wants, needs and feelings.

? Autism is four times more prevalent in boys than girls which means that 1 in every 57 boys will have Autism.

? In 1995, the rate of Autism was 1 in 2,500 now according to the centers of disease control it's 1 in 90.

? There are over 28,000 people in Wisconsin alone living with Autism.

? Every 20 minutes a child is diagnosed with Autism.

? Over 80 percent of the autism population is under the age 21

Autism Matters Inc, has the mission to provide individuals with Autism and their families the support that will help them to lead a full, meaningful and productive life. Autism Matters Inc. offers many things for Waupaca County including providing free autism training to police, fire and first responders, volunteer opportunities, advocacy, resources, etc.

We offer the Social Summer Experience program (SSE). This is an eight week program for children with autism and developmental delays. This program is designed by parents, members of the Birth-3 program, Special Education teachers from Early Childhood- high school and autism behavioral therapists.

We now have two locations: Trinity in Waupaca Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 9 a.m.-12 noon, which is in its fourth year. Our brand new location is at St. Paul's Lutheran School in Manawa, Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 1-4 p.m.

Please join us for our Autism Matters 8th annual golf outing fundraiser coming up on June 25 at Foxfire in Waupaca. $75p/p with a 9 a.m. shotgun start with banquet to follow at Julies Crystal Lounge. Silent auction and raffles will be available to help the cost of our SSE programs.

To sign up for golf, SSE or to volunteer please visit www.autismmatterswaupaca.com or call us at 920-867-2847.