We are here to make a difference and for the long run.
Making an Impact on Autism
Autism Awareness Month
April is Autism Awareness Month. The CDC now states 1 in 44 people are on the autism spectrum, with boys being four times more likely to be diagnosed with autism than girls. Most children are still being diagnosed after age 4, though autism can be reliably diagnosed as early as age 2.
World Autism Awareness Day April 2nd
Internationally Recognized Day, World Autism Awareness Day is an internationally recognized day on April 2 every year, encouraging Member States of the United Nations to take measures to raise awareness about people with Autism Spectrum Disorder throughout the world.
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About Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy.
Therapy based on the science of learning and behavior. ABA therapy programs can help with the following; increase language and communication skills, improve attention focus, social skills, memory, academics, and decrease program behaviors.
From Jessica & Stewart Friesen:
After missing some key developmental milestones, our son was diagnosed with autism at just one-and-a-half years old. Like many other families, we had very little understanding of autism before his diagnosis. After our pediatric neurologist prescribed intensive and immediate ABA (applied behavior analysis) therapy, we became very overwhelmed and lost in the Early Intervention system. Ensuring that our son would have access to the therapy he needed instantly became our life.
After countless hours on the phone and months of waiting lists, we were fortunate to find ABA therapy for him through Crossroads Center for Children. In going through our day-to-day experiences and lessons learned on our journey, we have felt that there is a need to help other families and children affected by autism in any possible way that we can.
With our family's involvement in racing, a national platform with NASCAR, and a local dirt-racing following, we are confident in our ability to get the word out. We want to do everything we can to boost autism awareness and help support the efforts of not only the Crossroads Center but also schools like them that facilitate early awareness and intervention therapies, which have been so beneficial to our son and our family. This year, we want to do more by using the exposure we have with our NASCAR Gander Outdoor Series #52 truck. Together, lets help make a difference at Crossroads Center and other facilities that need funding to help children and families just like ours to be triumphant.