By: Glenn Augustine—
Indianapolis, IN—Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex developmental disability that affects a person’s ability to communicate and interact with others. Autism is known as a “spectrum disorder,” meaning that although it is defined by a certain set of behaviors, children and adults with autism can exhibit any combination of these behaviors in any degree of severity. According to the 2017 KIDS COUNT® in Indiana Data Book, an estimated one in 68 American youth have been diagnosed with ASD.
The Indiana Youth Institute and its community partners are hosting a special training sessions to help caring adults in the community learn about the characteristics of autism spectrum disorder. The workshop is on Tuesday, January 16 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Gymnasium at the Suzanne Gresham Center, 3620 West White River Boulevard in Muncie.
Rachel Deaton, autism ally, at the Autism Society of Indiana will be presenting on the basic characteristics and symptoms of that define autism, early warning signs, behaviors and the importance of early screening. She also will discuss available therapies and treatments as well as tips and tricks to help someone on the spectrum. Attendees will hear personal testimony about the impact of autism on families and learn about local resources available in the community. There also will be an opportunity for Q&A.
As part of IYI’s Youth Worker Café program, the seminar and lunch are free, but reservations are required. Attendees may RSVP by going to www.iyi.org/ywc. Please contact IYI Statewide Outreach Manager Debbie Jones at djones@iyi.org for registration issues. For more information about the event, attendees may contact IYI East Central Outreach Manager Alison Palmer at apalmer@iyi.org.
This event is sponsored by Meridian Health Services and Ball State University. The event is a collaboration between Youth Opportunity Center, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Delaware County, Delaware County System of Care and IYI. Youth Worker Cafés are designed to bring together local youth workers to build relationships and inspire collaborations that will benefit children.
If Muncie Community Schools are closed due to weather, this event will be cancelled and rescheduled at a later date.
