| Autism has been ignored for too long. Most recently, | | | | stories of 38 families who have chosen to share their |
| however, there is more awareness of autism and | | | | experiences in an effort to encourage and help other |
| much of that awareness is being advanced by | | | | families dealing with the disorder. |
| individuals who have a personal stake and personal | | | | The special on ABC was also sponsored by The Help |
| interest in autism and its affects - parents and family | | | | Group, an organization in California that has some of |
| members. In their quest to spread awareness, they | | | | the most comprehensive programs for children and |
| have been joined by healthcare professionals, | | | | families with autism available. It is considered one of |
| teachers and others who treat individuals with autism | | | | the largest and most comprehensive non-profit |
| and who have put the time and energy into | | | | programs of its kind in the United States. |
| researching its causes and treatment. | | | | The goal of the Help Group is to raise advocacy and |
| In addition to awareness of the disorder, there is a | | | | awareness regarding autism and to garner support for |
| deeper and bigger awareness. It is the awareness of | | | | autism programs. The Help Group has regular daily |
| the people who struggle with it and try to overcome it. | | | | school programs for children with autism and it offers |
| To foster that awareness, an organization has been | | | | training for graduate students as well as training for |
| established - and a book written - called Autism | | | | parents, including certifications. The Help Group offers |
| Heroes: Portraits of Families Meeting the Challenge. | | | | education and support for children with special needs |
| The book, "Autism Heroes: Portraits of Families | | | | related to autism, Asperger's and for learning disabilities. |
| Meeting the Challenge" was written by Barbara | | | | This is a bright star on the horizon. Every day, it points |
| Firestone, PhD., has received great acclaim. There is | | | | to the hope and the progress in overcoming the |
| an Autism Heroes newsletter, and the book has been | | | | barriers that autism poses. The Help Group was |
| featured in People Magazine and on an ABC Channel | | | | created "because every child deserves a great future. |
| 7 special in California earlier this year. Both tell the | | | | |