The Family Autism Center at The Arc of South Norfolk provides supports and services to people diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders and their families. We provide respite care, specialized recreational programming, training for family members and provide information and referral sources to families looking for assistance. Autism impacts 1 in every 40 children- we have seen an increase of 100 additional people EACH year- we serve 903 people currently.
Autism prevalence rates are at an all time high of 1 in every 40 children being diagnosed on the spectrum. In the last 12 months alone, the Family Autism Center at The Arc of South Norfolk has seen an increase in the number of people we provide services to- we now serve over 900 people with autism from several communities ranging in age. We have piloted a very successful Equine Therapy program and not all of our families can afford it.
Working parents who have children with disabilities struggle to find care during school vacation weeks. We provide school vacation week programs and one "gap week" program per year for these families in need. Most of our social and recreational programs for adults with developmental disabilities are supported by private donations. We always need support for these programs: vacation week, bowling, bocce, basketball, kickball, softball, Hip Hop Cafe, floor hockey and fitness/exercise programs.
Most programs offered to our families through the Family Autism Center are free or at a very reduced rate. Equine Therapy, however, can be expensive for families already struggling to make ends meet with multiple therapists and medical copays. Staff work countless hours answering the phones, running support groups and helping families find resources. We would love to supplement the cost of Equine Therapy for these families. Most programs are held on the weekends and evening.
This project has provided additional documentation in a DOCX file (projdoc.docx).
