SC Autism Society Update

May-June 2015

From the President

Wow!  April was an exciting month with all the Autism Awareness & Acceptance events going on!  Thank you to everyone who particpated, whether by coming to Strides for Autism, the Annual Conference, a Car Show, a Dance, or even just sharing your autism story with your friends and family! Together we truly can make a different in our community for those affected by autism!

We are excited to announce that through our Autism Awareness for First Responders Training, over 190 first responders statewide received training in autism from national experts!  Plans are already underway to bring this training to three additional 
South Carolina cities next spring!  We are hoping to add a parent-training component as well, so that families and first responders are fully prepared to work together.
As many families are finishing up the school year and preparing for the next, I want to remind you of our Parent School Partner Program.  Through this program, we offer highly-trained Parent Mentors to assist in advocating for children with autism in the educational system.  Whether it is during the school evaluation process, working through IEP and 504 meetings, or dealing with behavioral issues, we are here to help.  We are happy to provide this service to South Carolina families at no charge!  Please contact our Columbia office at 803-750-6988 to be referred to a Parent Mentor in your area.
On behalf of the Staff and Board of Directors of the South Carolina Autism Society, I wish you an enjoyable summer.  We will be here throughout if you should need any assistance.
Sincerely,

Kim Thomas, President & CEO
South Carolina Autism Society
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Upcoming Events

The Missing Pieces

This group is for individuals ages 18 and up with High-Functioning Autism or Aspergers. The Missing Pieces began in January 2013 with a core group of 3 people and our counselor. We are the only group of its kind in the Midlands area of South Carolina. Our mission is to provide peer support through monthly meetings to other people on the Autism spectrum and to better educate ourselves and the community-at-large by sharing our personal experiences. 
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