Dear Help Group Friends & Families,
April is Autism Awareness Month. Last month, the CDC released a new study on national autism rates, which demonstrated that 1 in 36 eight-year-olds in the US has been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and 1 in 22 in California.
Autism rates have tripled in the last 16 years which highlights the need for autism awareness, acceptance, and inclusion. While we focus on Autism in the month of April, the drive for awareness, acceptance, and inclusion must be the focus year-round.
Key Facts from the Report:
- 1 in 36 U.S. children has an autism diagnosis
- 22 percent increase since the last prevalence survey in 2021
- The following 11 states are included in the survey:
AZ, AK, CA, GA, MD, MI, NO, NJ, TN, UT and WI - 37.9 percent of the children were classified as having an intellectual disability
- 4 percent of boys,1 percent of girls have been diagnosed with autism
- This new data indicates autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is common across all groups of children and underscores the considerable need for equitable and accessible screening, services, and support for all children.
More than ever, our community is in need of more support to deal with the increase of children diagnosed with autism every single day. The Help Group can help. By joining us at the 10th Annual Special Needs Resource Fair on Sunday, April 30th, 11 am – 2 pm, you’ll have an opportunity to discover and learn about a variety of programs and services that are available to you in the Los Angeles area. Looking forward to seeing you there!
Of course, if you or someone you know is in need of services, please do not hesitate to get in touch with me directly. We are here for you.
Dr. Jason Bolton
VP of Community Partnerships & Admissions
jbolton@thehelpgroup.org
Special Needs Resource Fair
Sunday, April 30 | 11am – 2pm PT
Join The Help Group and LA Parent Magazine at the Special Needs Resource Fair and enjoy children’s activities, food, and family fun as you discover the wonderful resources that L.A. has to offer its special needs community. Learn about life skills coaching, therapeutic services, financial & estate planning, vocational programs & more. Free admission!
3 Reasons Why You Should Attend the Special Needs Resource Fair!
Jump Into Summer with Specialized Day Camps for 6-17-year-olds with Autism!
Kids Like Me’s summer camps return on Monday, June 12th! These camps are a safe and enriching environment for neurodiverse 6-17-year-olds with autism spectrum disorder and other special needs to engage, experience, and explore. Campers will be matched to ensure an appropriate peer group for learning and fun. Siblings are welcome!
…And did you know we are vendored with some of SoCal’s Regional Centers? Click below to see the list of regional centers. We also accept Self Determination funds!
Why Choose a Specialized Camp for Your Child with Autism?
Summer camp: a place to have fun, enjoy recreation, sports, arts and crafts, and make new friends. But for children with autism and other developmental challenges, the prospect of attending camp may be daunting. That’s why we at The Help Group’s Kid’s Like Me have created specialized camps for children and teens with autism spectrum disorder and other neurodevelopmental challenges where campers can enjoy a sense of belonging.
13 specialized schools. 4 campuses. One Community.
Some children with learning differences, autism spectrum disorder and other social and learning challenges need extra support this summer. The Help Group’s Summer Intensive Program (ESY) is our summer school program that will address these needs through a rich array of offerings taught by special education teachers as well as a multi-disciplinary team including clinicians, speech pathologists and occupational therapists. The Help Group’s Summer Intensive Program is open to Help Group students and students in the community.
DID YOU KNOW ....
The Help Group has 10 schools serving students with autism…
Bridgeport School
Bridgeport School educates students in grades K-12 with mild cognitive delays and challenges with social communication and/or language development and focuses on connecting students with their futures.
Sherman Oaks & Culver City
Bridgeport Vocational Center
The Bridgeport Vocational Center serves young adults, ages 18-22, focusing on education/training, community participation and employment that help students reach their full potential toward independence during the transition to adulthood.
Sherman Oaks & Culver City
STEM3 Academy
For academically strong students with social and/or learning differences, including autism spectrum disorder, who have a passion for STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics).
Valley Glen
Sunrise School
Functional life skills instruction programs serving students with moderate to severe delays associated with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities.
Sherman Oaks & Culver City
Village Glen
A college preparatory program for students with social communication, language, and/or socialization delays, including autism spectrum disorder.
Sherman Oaks & Culver City
Young Learners
An evidence-based, comprehensive, early intervention school program designed to serve children between 2.9 and 5 years of age with autism spectrum disorder.
Sherman Oaks & Culver City
UPCOMING EVENTS
Let’s Flip the Script: What if ADHD is a Strength, Not a Weakness?
Wednesday, May 17th | 10-11 am PT
Join us for our next webcast. In time for Mental Health Awareness Month, ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) is a neurological disorder that impacts the parts of the brain that help us plan, focus on, and execute tasks. However, there are numerous strengths and benefits that also come with ADHD. We’ll discusst the ways that ADHD can be a strength rather than a weakness.
club l.a.’s Spring Fling
Wed., April 19th | 6:30-8:00pm PT
Join old friends and new friends for the club l.a. Spring Fling! We will have dinner and dessert, games and karaoke. Don’t miss out on the fun – register today! For neurodiverse young adults ages 18-29.
Parent-to-Parent Support Group Meetings
Thurs., April 20th & May 4th | 6-7pm
Join us for our next P2P support group meeting for parents of young adults with social/learning differences. This support group provides an opportunity to connect with other parents, share stories, and learn from one another. Parents will select topics and group leaders will facilitate discussions and offer guidance.
Parents Like Me
Parent Support Group
Wed., May 3rd | 6-7pm
Announcing Parents Like Me Parent Support Groups for parents and caregivers of neurodivergent kids and teens 17 years of age or younger. These are free online sessions that provide a safe space for parents and caregivers to share, connect, and provide support for one another.
In Case You Missed It:
My Child Was Diagnosed with Autism. NOW WHAT?
Watch last month’s THG webcast.
ABOUT THE HELP GROUP
The Help Group is the largest, most innovative and comprehensive nonprofit of its kind serving children, adolescents and young adults with special needs related to autism spectrum disorder, learning disabilities, ADHD, developmental delays, abuse and emotional challenges through its wide range of specialized education, therapy and outreach programs. Recently, The Help Group launched programs to serve LGBTQ+ youth. At the heart of its efforts is the commitment to helping young people fulfill their potential to lead positive, productive and rewarding lives.
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