Contact Information:
Joyce Lowder
joyce.lowder@alzoc.org
760-360-7754
949-285-4366
TALK ABOUT CURING AUTISM WILL HOST ANNUAL EVENT TO FUND SERVICES FOR FAMILIES AFFECTED BY AUTISM
ORANGE COUNTY – August 1, 2006 – Talk About Curing Autism (TACA) will hold its annual family picnic on Sunday, September 17 at Camp James in Irvine. The event is the primary fundraiser the help fund the free programs and services to assist families affected by autism.
According to Executive Director, Lisa Ackerman, “this occasion is extremely popular among our families and is generally a sell out because it provides a safe and fun picnic setting for children with autism. Raising a child with autism is tremendously stressful to families. Giving families a reprieve from the stress and demands of raising a child with autism helps to maintain family unity and makes the demands more manageable.”
The day’s venue will include a carnival atmosphere featuring rides, games, sports and other interactive activities, a silent auction and raffle. Food will be provided by In-N-Out Burger and will include specialized food selections to accommodate diet restrictions required for children with autism. The event is presented by Microsemi and additional sponsors are the ADD Treatment Centers, Autism Behavior Consultants, Autism Solutions for Kids, Law Offices of Bruce Bothwell, Capital Group, Cure Autism Now, Children’s Learning Connection, Educational Testing, International Hyperbarics, The Listening Center, National Autism Association, NexGen Digital, OxyHealth Corporation, Park Pharmacy, Roberts & Adams, Sensaria, and Stepping Stones Center.
About TACA: Autism is a devastating neurological disorder that typically affects children between the ages of 18 months and five years of age and strikes with different levels of severity. Currently, autism affects 1 in 166 children nationwide and in California, eight are diagnosed each day. TACA provides support, education and information to over 2,000 Californians touched by autism. Through direct donations and events such as the Annual TACA Family Picnic, the organization is able to offer monthly education and support meetings, parent mentoring, the Autism Journey Guide, and seminars and conferences. For more information, please contact us.
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I had Christian when I was 19 years old. For the first year of his life I couldn’t imagine anything being wrong with my baby. He smiled; he laughed; he rolled, crawled and walked on time. At age one he had a massive overload for his little immune system. He had two ear infections, a high fever, back to back treatment of major antibiotics and he was given his MMR, varicella and HIB vaccines while he was still very sick. Christian faded away for the next 6 months.
At age two he was diagnosed with full syndrome Autism. I met an amazing mother who introduced me to the group Talk About Curing Autism. Before I found out about TACA, I had no clue that there was hope for my child. From that day on I knew that it was my job to get my son back and undue what had been done to him.
It has been three years since Christian was diagnosed with Autism. I had taken what I had learned from TACA, found wonderful therapists, began a diet, found a DAN! Doctor, and took control of my child’s health. I heard his first word when he was 38 months old, and let me tell you, it was worth the wait.
Today Christian attends a typical private preschool. He is the only child in the class with a diagnosis…and none of the other parents know that. He speaks clearly, has friends, reads, pretends on the playground and even knows what he wants to be when he grows up (which of course changes weekly).
I can honestly say, if I had not found that mom (you know who you are), and not been introduced to TACA, I don’t know where Christian would be today and I don’t know if I would ever have been able to help other parents starting this journey. Thank you TACA, thank you my hero mom, and thank you Christian for fighting this with me. I love you.
Chelsi, Washington State
