Professional Awareness Campaign
The Autism Foundation of the Carolinas (AFC) has reached into the medical and professional community in an effort to generate awareness around support options available to families dealing with autism in the Charlotte region. With the incidence of autism at an alarming rate of 1 in 150 live births, it is critical that the pediatric community is given additional ways to support the families of children who are diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder or suspect their children have autism. Parents turn to pediatricians first, and we understand how important it is for doctors to provide access to current information and services. AFC is empowering area pediatricians, therapists, and psychologists with up to date information on a vast number of programs and services targeted to increase the quality of lives of families affected with autism. Helping our professional community connect families with area services utilizes a natural distribution channel to disseminate information more effectively to these families.
Programs and Services included in these presentations include:
- Workshops and information strategies/plans for the newly diagnosed
- Education options - public, private, and after school
- Support/assistance with the IEP process, and school related issues
- Financial Assistance / Scholarships
- Autism workshops/seminars ranging from general to specialized
- Crisis support
- Parent advocates and support groups
- Camps
- Adult day programs and residential options
- Support with transition into adult community / supports for employment
- Behavior management options
- Access to comprehensive local, regional, and national provider list
Phase I – one on one meetings with pediatric groups, hospitals, diagnosing psychologist
Phase II – establish annual community wide educational venue for professionals to continue disseminating information in Phase I on a wider scale. In addition, add seminars on autism aimed at ensuring professionals have access to the latest research/information on autism.
Phase III – Implement Phase I and Phase II in surrounding counties.