Back to Institute Archive" 2nd Annual Autism Awareness Day Being Held at USF"
(Tampa, ) The Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD) is sponsoring its 2nd annual Autism Awareness Day on Saturday, April 8, 2000 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The theme of this year's event is Connecting to Community and will feature presentations, panel discussions, informational exhibits, and a children's art exhibit. It will be held at the Westside Conference Center, Louis de la Parte Florida Mental Health Institute, at the University of South Florida.
The goal is to bring together families, community resources, and professional service providers in order to raise awareness of autism and share information about how best to meet the needs of individuals with autism and other related disabilities.
Autism is a lifelong neurological disability that affects a person's ability to communicate, understand language, and socially interact with others. It is considered a developmental disability because it interferes with the typical rate and patterns of childhood development, generally appearing in children before the age of three as developmental delays.
Autism occurs in approximately one in every 500-750 births, and four times more often in boys than girls. It cuts across all racial, ethnic and social backgrounds. Although the cause of autism is unknown and it can be complex and frightening for families coping with autism, it is not hopeless. With good services and intervention, individuals with autism can progress and achieve a higher quality of life.
The Center for Autism and Related Disabilities at the University of South Florida's de la Parte Institute is one of five regional, university-based centers in Florida. It serves as a regional resource providing program development, training and support for individuals, families, professionals, and peers of people with autism and related disabilities.
For more information, call (813) 974-2532.
Visit the CARD website.