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Monday, March 10, 1997 Page:
Don’t have to go to West Coast to find impressive programs for autism
On Feb. 19, you published an article was about a program in California
called
T.E.A.C.C.H., which is supposed to be an innovative program for children
with autismFirst, since it originated in North Carolina, this program has been
available for quite a few years.
Second, why would you choose to highlight a story on autism in California
instead of your own hometown?
January was “Autism Awareness Month.” And in recognition, I sent an article
to your paper explaining autism and, more importantly, all the programs we
have available in our area.
Needless to say, the article was never printed.
Two years ago we started a support group in Luzerne County called S.A.F.E.
(Supporting Autism and Families Everywhere). We began with six families, and
to date we have over 250 members.
Most of the other support groups in Pennsylvania have either joined or are
in the process of joining S.A.F.E.
Last year Wyoming Valley Health Care System was instrumental in forming a
coalition on autism including 14 different agencies, all providing services to
families and children with autism.
The coalition is unprecedented in our country!
We receive calls from all over the United States asking how to succesfully
duplicate our coalition.
We have even received e-mail from Mexico asking for information to
establish a chapter.
Northeastern Pennsylvania provides many different services for children
with autism: LIU 18’s Oblates Program, Hazleton Area’s Early Intervention
L.E.A.P. program at Allied Services, and a one-on-one behavioral program in
conjunction with Rutgers and Wilkes universities and Children’s Service
Center.
As a result of these innovative and proven programs, the children in our
area are thriving and serving as an example for the rest of the country.
To date there are well over 400,000 children diagnosed with autism. That is
more than children’s cancer and cystic fibrosis combined. But we have no
research center or telethon.
Autism is a puzzle; there are no answers to the causes and certainly none
for a cure. As a matter of fact, there isn’t even a “standard of care” for the
medical community.
On March 15, the Greater Women’s Federation Club will be hosting
“Federation Day” at Boscov’s in Wilkes-Barre and all the proceeds will benefit
S.A.F.E.
We hope to use the money raised that day for public education, an
identification program, and many other services that will help support the
families and help the children.
Please join us that day and help us move one step closer to solving the
puzzle of autism.
Please remember the next time you need a heart-warming story about autism,
you don’t need to turn to California for news. Just look in your own backyard.
Claire T. Shadie
Founder and chair
S.A.F.E.
Wilkes-Barre