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ACT Today! Conference Aims to Help Hispanic Families
Impacted by Autism
Los Angeles (May 16, 2014) - ACT Today! (Autism Care and Treatment Today!), in collaboration with the Center for Autism and Related Disorders (CARD), announces the first Autismo y Familia conference will be held on Friday, May 16, 2014 from 8 am to 1 pm at the Children’s Institute, Inc. in Los Angeles. The free conference will be conducted in Spanish and feature workshops for both parents and healthcare professionals. The conference will address diagnosis, intervention options and advocacy for families affected by autism.
ACT Today! is a national, non-profit organization whose mission is to raise awareness and provide treatment services and support to families to help their children with autism achieve their full potential. These services include therapy, medical care, social skills programs, assistive technology and safety equipment.
“Autismo y Familia is the first conference of its kind here in Los Angeles,” says Nancy Alspaugh-Jackson, executive director of ACT Today!. “This conference is part of our ACT Today! Español program, which was established to address the language barriers which hinder Spanish-speaking individuals from accessing healthcare resources and treatment services that are critical to the health and future of their children.”
The conference will include opening remarks by Senator Kevin de León (D-Los Angeles) and Carlos Manuel Sada, the Cónsul General of México in Los Angeles.
Presenters include ACT Today! Español spokesperson and broadcast journalist Gabriela Teissier (Univision) and autism advocate Francis speaking on “My Autism Journey.” CARD case manager Silvia Guzman will present “Basics of Autism: Definition, Signs, Diagnosis,” CARD supervisor Wendy Jacobo will present “Treatment: ABA Therapy,” special needs attorney Ines Kuperschmit will discuss “Navigating the System: Schools and Regional Center,” and Maria Almanza and Josefina Nieves of Fiesta Educativa will discuss “Parent Advocacy.”
Autismo y Familia was made possible by a grant from Autism Speaks, and in partnership with the Children’s Institute, Inc., Consulado General de Mexico en Los Angeles (SRE) and Fiesta Educativa.
Attendees must register by May 14 at info@act-today.org or call (818) 340-4010. Limited childcare will be provided.
About ACT Today!:
ACT Today! (Autism Care and Treatment Today!) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to providing resources and funding to families of children with autism who cannot afford or access the necessary tools their children need to reach their full potential. For more information about ACT Today!, visit: www.act-today.org.
About Center for Autism & Related Disorders, Inc.:
The Center for Autism and Related Disorders (CARD) treats individuals of all ages who are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) at its 26 treatment centers around the globe. CARD was founded in 1990 by leading autism expert and clinical psychologist Doreen Granpeesheh, PhD, BCBA-D. CARD treats individuals with ASD using the principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA), which is empirically proven to be the most effective method for treating individuals with ASD and recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the US Surgeon General. CARD employs a dedicated team of over 1,000 individuals across the nation and internationally. For more information about CARD, visit http://www.centerforautism.com.
About Autism Speaks:
Autism Speaks is the world’s leading autism science and advocacy organization. It is dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. Autism Speaks was founded in February 2005 by Suzanne and Bob Wright, the grandparents of a child with autism. Mr. Wright is the former vice chairman of General Electric and chief executive officer of NBC and NBC Universal. Since its inception, Autism Speaks has committed nearly $200 million to research and developing innovative resources for families. Each year Walk Now for Autism Speaks events are held in more than 100 cities across North America. On the global front, Autism Speaks has established partnerships in more than 40 countries on five continents to foster international research, services and awareness. To learn more about Autism Speaks, please visit www.autismspeaks.org.
About the Consulate General of Mexico in Los Angeles:
The Consulate General of Mexico in Los Angeles, California is the largest foreign consular representation of Mexico and offers guidance and assistance free of charge. Carlos M. Sada was appointed by President of Mexico, Enrique Peña Nieto, and has been serving as Consul General of Mexico in Los Angeles since April 2013. For more information about the Consulate General of Mexico in Los Angeles, visit http://consulmex.sre.gob.mx/losangeles.
About Children’s Institute, Inc.:
Children’s Institute, Inc. (CII) helps children in Los Angeles’s most challenged communities heal from the trauma of family and community violence, build the confidence and skills to break through the barriers of poverty, and grow up to lead healthy, productive lives. CII’s Integrated Service Model, which combines evidence-based clinical services, youth development programs, early childhood programs, and family support services, is designed to address the “whole child” as well as the entire family. For more information about CII, visit www.childrensinstitute.org.
About Fiesta Educativa:
Fiesta Educativa, a partnership of families, professionals, consumers, friends, and agencies embraces as its mission the goal of universal support towards the enhancement of the lives of persons with disabilities. For more information about Fiesta Educativa, visitwww.fiestaeducativa.org.
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