TFG Charity of the Month

THE RAINBOW CONNECTION
THE HELP GROUP, A NONPROFIT SERVING CHILDREN WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS AND
OTHER SPECIAL NEEDS, IS COMMITTED TO EMPOWERING YOUNG PEOPLE TO LEAD POSITIVE,
PRODUCTIVE AND REWARDING LIVES

April is National Autism Awareness Month. Autism, a spectrum of brain-based disorders ranging from mild
to severe that include classic autism, Asperger’s Disorder and Pervasive Developmental Disorders, is
characterized by language delays or other communicative deficits, poor or limited social skills, and
repetitive, rigid and other unusual behaviors. The disorders affect more boys than girls (four boys to every
one girl) of all racial, ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds.

The Help Group logo

“Each April, The Help Group, along with organizations throughout the United States, join together to recognize and publicize the important issues that confront children and families living with autism,” says Dr. Barbara Firestone, president, CEO and founder of The Help Group, the largest, most comprehensive nonprofit organization in the United States for children with special needs related to Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), learning disabilities, ADHD, mental retardation and abuse and emotional problems. She adds that The Help Group also asserts a year-round effort that addresses the growing need for programs and educational resources at the local, state and national levels.

Under the leadership of Dr. Firestone, the organization's six specialized day schools, located on four major campuses in the Los Angeles area, offer pre-K through high school programs for more than 1,300 students. Additionally, Dr. Firestone says, “The Help Group's wide range of mental health and therapy services, child abuse and residential programs extend its reach to more than 5,000 children and their families each year.”

The Help Group pic 1

Dr. Firestone stresses that early identification and intervention can make the critical difference in the lives of the ever-growing numbers of children with ASD. “This year, more children will be diagnosed with ASD than with childhood cancer, diabetes and pediatric AIDS combined,” she adds. In 2007, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that the estimated prevalence of ASD has risen to one in every 150 children, and Autism Spectrum Disorders are now the fastest growing serious developmental disabilities. “Parents know their children better than anyone else. When parents first suspect that their child is developing differently and they recognize one or more of the early warning signs of autism, it is important that they share their concerns with a pediatrician as soon as possible,” Dr. Firestone says, adding that the pediatrician, upon ascertaining the need, will refer the parents to the appropriate professionals, such as developmental pediatricians, neurologists, psychologists, child psychiatrists and/or speech and language pathologists, for further evaluation and assessment. “To ensure that children are identified as early as possible, the American Academy of Pediatrics has issued guidelines that call for pediatricians to conduct a formal ASD screening on all children at 18 and 24 months and to be aware of the early signs of ASDs,” Dr. Firestone says. To learn more about the early signs of autism, go to www.thehelpgroup.org/facts_signs.htm.

The Help Group pic 2

In an effort to further bolster the importance of early detection, Dr. Firestone says that “The California Legislature established the Legislative Blue Ribbon Commission on Autism in 2005 based on the resolution (SCR 51) that was co-sponsored by The Help Group. The Commission's goal is to close existing gaps in programs, services and funding in three state policy areas: the early diagnosis and early treatment of autism; the education of students with autism and professional development; and the planning that is needed to address the 'aging out' of children from California’s school system into adulthood.” The Commission is currently preparing a legislative package to be presented in early 2008. “The Commission and its task forces have the The Hope Group 3

critical responsibility of charting a course for change that has the potential to positively impact the lives of individuals with autism and their families throughout California, and to serve as a model with national implications,” says Dr. Firestone who also serves as the vice-chair for the Commission. For more information, visit: http://senweb03.senate.ca.gov/autism/index.html

The Help Group, highly regarded for its scope of services and standards of excellence, reaches children and their families at the state and national levels and worldwide through its push for public awareness about ASD and its revered professional training and parent education programs. Says Dr. Firestone: “At the heart of its effort is the commitment to help young people fulfill their potential to lead positive, productive and rewarding lives.”

How can you help?
According to Dr. Firestone, “There are many ways to support The Help Group. Throughout the years, the spirit of giving has been an important cornerstone of The Help Group. The philanthropic support of individuals, corporations and foundations has enabled us to open the doors of opportunity to thousands of children and families. In supporting the important work of The Help Group, you can touch the lives of children with special needs in very direct and meaningful ways. For details, go to www.thehelpgroup.org/helping.htm or call 818.779.5210.”

THE FAMILY GROOVE donates a percentage of its revenue to its featured Charity of the Month.

A STUDY OF COURAGE
Dr. Firestone's Autism Heroes: Portraits of Families Meeting the Challenge chronicles 38 families from different walks of life that are confronting the challenges of ASD. Their inspiring reflections along with Dr. Firestone's insightful essays span the many stages of dealing with autism from diagnosing to coping to solution-seeking. Author royalties are being donated to The Help Group in support of its autism efforts. ($30, www.autismheroes.org)

Dr. Firestone will be speaking about her book throughout California and other parts of the country.
Go to www.autismheroes.org for more dates and more information.