From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. FEAT members will serve free hot dogs, sodas, and cookies. Participants will also assist in launching balloons representing the number of children diagnosed with autism in the region. This event is made possible through the generosity of ABF.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has recently announced that the number of children diagnosed with autism has risen from 1 in 166 to 1 in 150. Arkansas's number is higher than the national average, with 1 in 145 children diagnosed. Autism is the fastest growing developmental delay in the nation.
FEAT of Arklahoma is a support group that serves to educate and assist families affected by autism. Information about the group will be available at the event. Organizers said FEAT's goals are:
-To educate the community so that children with autism are identified at an early age (before 3 years).
-To advocate directly with public agencies for services for children with autism and assist parents in obtaining advocacy support to obtain appropriate services from private and public agencies for their children with autism.
-To support families with autistic children through support meetings and parent networking.
-To provide and/or facilitate with public agencies initial early intervention training for families with children with autism.
-To coordinate continuing consultation, training and treatment for autistic children.
-To obtain funds from public and private sources to carry out the above goals.
For more information about FEAT or the event, call Mandy Steele at (479) 420-9862.
