AUTISM
INCLUSION PROGRAM Clippard Family YMCA Supports Families with
Autism
Many families with autism do not get the opportunities for social
interaction and opportunities for recreational services for their entire family
due to the conditions of the child with autism. At the YMCA, we are able to provide
opportunities for families to interact and play together and the ability to connect
with families with similar challenges. From a therapy standpoint, the YMCA's
water park provides an excellent opportunity for sensory and water therapy for
the child with autism, while at the same time gives other siblings the recreational
and social opportunities that they deserve. Swim Family Night and Ice
Cream Social
Saturday, July 26th 7:00-9:00 pm Join us for
Swimming and Ice Cream Social! Bring your family and join us for a FREE
night of swimming in our Indoor Waterpark and Program Pool. Ice Cream and Drinks
will be served in the Gymnasium following the swim. Please RSVP by email
at viki_martorano@netzero.net
What
is Autism?
Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically
appears during the first three years of life and is a result of a neurological
disorder that affects the normal functioning of the brain, impacting development
in the areas of social interaction and communication skills. No one knows what
causes autism, and there is currently no cure. According to the leading
advocate organization for autism, every twenty minutes another family receives
the devastating news that their child has autism. The nations fastest growing
serious developmental disorder, autism is reaching epidemic proportions. Thirteen
years ago, 1 in 10,000 children were diagnosed. Today that number is 1 in 150.
Government statistics suggest that autism is growing at a rate of 10% to 17% per
year. At these rates, the number of people with autism will rise from nearly 1.5
million Americans affected today to 4 million in the next decade. The economic
costs for people or family members with autism are staggering. Most insurance
companies don't cover the costs of early intervention, which in some cases can
alleviate the most serious consequences of autism. Since children with autism
often require 30-40 hours a week of intensive, one-on-one therapy, few families
can afford the level of care that can truly make a difference. The YMCA's
Role
Many families with autism do not get the opportunities for social
interaction and opportunities for recreational services for their entire family
due to the conditions of the child with autism. At the YMCA, we are able to provide
opportunities for families to interact and play together and the ability to connect
with families with similar challenges. From a therapy standpoint, the YMCA's
water park provides an excellent opportunity for sensory and water therapy for
the child with autism, while at the same time gives other siblings the recreational
and social opportunities that they deserve. Join us for our monthly Family
Nights. RSVP at viki_martorano@netzero.net
Events | 
