5th Annual Tools for Transformation Parent and Professional Conference and State of the State Legislative Breakfast

Dear Friends

Happy Autism Awareness Month!! If you live in L.A. This is a event you cant miss and its free!! Hope to see you there!!

"This FREE breakfast and annual conference features 16 presentations and workshops led by nationally renowned experts in the fields of developmental disabilities, law, medicine, education, and advocacy. This is the largest and most comprehensive Autism/ADHD/LD conference held in South Los Angeles. It is a “must attend” event for parents, professionals, attorneys, advocates, and medical professionals. Registration includes free meals, childcare, educational resources, access to health and resource fair, give-aways and much more.

The conference begins with the State of the State Legislative Breakfast on Friday, April 15th, during which state and local elected officials will provide updates on proposed and pending legislation impacting children and families with special needs including the latest autism insurance mandate bills. The breakfast provides an opportunity for community leaders, parents, and policy makers to network and collaborate on key issues that impact children and families in Los Angeles County and across the Golden State. The second day includes workshops, resource fair, book signing events and student awards luncheon. "

Please fallow the link for all the information!
5th Annual Tools for Transformation Parent and Professional Conference and State of the State Legislative Breakfast:
Hosted By Special Needs Network

Thank You
MSAAFinc

"The condition of autism has a lot to teach us all." Tara McClintick

I had the privilege of interviewing an author, poet, teacher,loving wife, mother and outstanding resource for parents,teachers, and the community. Her name is Tara McClintick and I encourage you to visit The Books by Tara website. She took time from her day to answer questions, including our question of the week,
"What do you think is the #1 problem facing the Autism Spectrum Disorders community?" I will post the results of our poll next week, so please vote.

So it's my pleasure to introduce to you Tara McClintick!

MSAAF- What do you think is the #1 problem facing the ASD community?

Tara- One lack of good resources- trained people, finances to afford the programs that there are, and knowledgeable health providers, etc. By "Good" I mean qualified and effective.

MSAAF- And what do you think the community as a whole can do to help?

Tara- There are many ways the community as a whole can help if they are more aware of the issues...I'll list a few.

MASSF- Thank you!

Tara- One: Realize we are all in this together. 1 in 100 kids, these kids are the future. The condition of autism has a lot to teach us all. Two: Educate themselves through books and talking to families living with autism. No excuse with the Internet, we're everywhere now. Mainstream media is shaped by the funding. We have to start thinking of people and health.
Read, learn like we parents are doing. Besides, autism is in good company. The "incurable"
conditions abound, it's a matter of daily choices and taking responsibility!

MSAAF- We need to find ways to share our aspirations, ambitions, and goals for our loved ones with ASD...with our community.

Tara- Because kids with autism can be helped, but they require an enormous amount of support. We all can pay now or later...If we don't support the kids' develpment, and they are dependent their whole lives, that's a lot of kids society will be supporting. Three: Reach out any way they are comfortable. [Spend] time with kids, financially, politically...ask families what they need.

MSAAF- What we all get by means of TV, we should use like a hand in the dark; with a bit of light we should drop the hand. That's why I started The MSAAF Inc, to find help for people, by people who have been there.

Tara- I agree... Thank You! What about you, are you finding the same obstacles across the
country from me? I'd like to hear your thoughts.

MSAAF- Yes, we are. I have talked to people who don't have a loved one with autism. [They] tell me about a false sense of involvement that they get from some companies...they don't feel it's real (autism), they don't feel like our loved ones are real...It's sad.

Tara- You have my full support, shoot your ideas at me any time. I'll do my best to help. Our kids have things to say to the world.

MSAAF- Thank you for your support. I don't know what would be best, I don't think we will know till we try! But I do know that we will never stop looking! We need to keep hope in our minds and love in our souls.

Tara- Definitely , I am all about trying. Trying is more important than succeeding; because if we don't try, we won't succeed!

Thank you so much for doing this interview for The MSAAF Inc.