Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) are described on the website of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) as “a group of developmental disabilities that can cause significant social, communication and behavioral challenges. People with ASDs handle information in their brain differently than other people.” (www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/
autism/index.html) In the United States, it is estimated that 1 in 68 children currently have a diagnosis of ASD and is dramatically on the rise. Research published in the Official Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics states that the incidence of autism has increased 289.5% from 1997 to 2008 (Trends in the Prevalence of Developmental Disabilities in US Children 1997 – 2008, May 23, 2011).
ASDs occur in all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups. The CDC reports that ASDs are almost 5 times more common among boys than among girls. “ASD commonly co-occurs with other developmental, psychiatric, neurologic, chromosomal, and genetic diagnoses. The co-occurrence of one or more non-ASD developmental diagnoses is 83%.” (www.cdc.gov/NCDDD/
autism/data.html)
Arts Adventures Children's Program
The Arts Adventures Children's Program is a recreational respite program and occurs on Saturdays in two sessions:
10 am -1 pm for children 7 through 10
2 pm - 5 pm for children 9 through 13.
The program offers an enriching creative and social experience for youth with Autism Spectrum Disorders and respite for families. Arts and crafts, movement, theater and imaginative games, and community outings provide an innovative and fun approach to working with children with ASDs in a safe and welcoming environment. And families get a break to carry on needed household activities.
Enrollment is limited. Tuition is based on sliding-scale fee. Siblings are welcome to attend.
Please contact Deborah Brink, Arts Adventures Director to learn more or enroll your child in Arts Adventures.
505-345-2872 x18 or [email protected]
