The Doctors: National Autism Awareness Month
April is National Autism Awareness Month. Attorney and child advocate Areva Martin has dedicated her life to the cause, helping families who face challenges associated with Autism, as well as limited resources. Cheryl and Danita are moms who each have a child with Autism, and both of them were thankful to have found Special Needs Network. The community feel has changed their lives for the better, as well as specific programs at school that their children could participate in.
The Doctors: Helping Families Affected By Autism
Attorney Areva Martin was recognized for her work with families affected by Autism, and the center that has given so many people hope. (57570482@N06 / Flickr)
The women explained that meeting Areva was particularly special because she also has a child who is on the spectrum. Areva has taught parents how to be mentors for other parents, to make their difficult journeys much easier. Cheryl and Danita joined the show with their daughter and son, as well as Areva Martin. Areva shared that her son was diagnosed when he was two, and the diagnosis was devastating. She didn’t know what to do, and had more questions than answers. Many parents are left feeling hopeless, which is why Areva took her law experience and used it to start the network.
She wanted to create a community that would help parents with the day-to-day challenges of getting the best services, medical care, and assistance they could possibly get. It’s known that early diagnosis and intervention are key, which is why, through her network, she was able to start a clinic. The Center of Autism and Developmental Disabilities with a local clinic in Los Angeles, provides one-on-one applied behavioral analysis, social skills training, play therapy, and speech therapy, to help kids get better.
Dr Jennifer Ashton made a statement previously, and made sure to say it again so that everyone could hear it. You don’t say “this child is Autistic,” but instead you say “this child has Autism.” The month of April is mostly about promoting acceptance. Spin Master donated $10,000 worth of toys to the clinic to help with therapy.
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