Autism Society Honors Fresno's Best in Autism
1/9/2009

Fresno, CA (November 17, 2008) --The Autism Society of America --Central California Chapter honored its Champions in the World of Autism in the Central Valley last Friday 11/14/08 at a gala at Toledo's Banquet Hall in Fresno.

Families and professionals gathered at the "Evening of Champions" to recognize local Autism Champions for their tireless efforts and devotion to the improvement of public education and community service. Honorees were commended for their dedication, passion, excellence in education and leadership in serving the needs of professionals, children, and families in the Central Valley.

Founders honors went to 1971 ASA Founding Members Walt & Marianne Shubin and Les & Marge Lindley whose children were blatantly denied attendance in public schools during the dark ages when so little was available to individuals with autism. ASA-CCC also congratulated various family and professional honorees including young adult Robbie Kalpakoff who was nominated to attend the national Young Leaders October 2008 conference in Washington, D.C. as a national scholar representing the disabled community of Central California. There was such a warm and supportive feeling flowing through the room that by the time Robbie finished with his speech, he received a standing ovation from the crowd and brought tears to many in the audience. Honorees received Special recognitions on behalf of Mayor Alan Autry, Senator Jim Costa, Assembly Member Juan Arambula, Assemblyman Michael Villinez, and United States Senator Barbara Boxer.

ASA-CCC Evening of Champions Honorees: Held in loving memory of Mary Ann Shubin, Les Lindley & Andrew James Tapney. ASA-CCC Founding Members 1971 Walt, Mary Ann, Wade Shubin & Les, Marge, David Lindley, Alan, Susan, & Jeffrey Neufer. Honorary Student Awards: Robbie Kalpekoff, Jonny Lambert, Emmanuel Ponce, Kirby York. Educator of the Year Awards: Kathy Ervine & Terri Clement, Patricia Carpio, Bradley Black, Valerie Nikaido, Professional of the Year Awards: Kathryn Wage, Todd Chase, Melissa Altamirano, Dr. Howard Glidden, Ananda Aspen, Ed. D., Michelle Austin, Amanda Adams, Ph.D., Chris Whilhite, Dr. Barbara Firestone.

About the Autism Society of America

The Autism Society of America -- Central California Chapter is located in the Central California San Joaquin Valley covering Fresno County, Madera County, Tulare County, Kings County, and Lodi, CA communities. The Autism Society of America -- Central California Chapter is a non-profit organization of parents, educators, and other professionals dedicated to providing appropriate education, advocacy and support to the central California autism community. The Autism Society of America -- Central California Chapter, meets monthly on the second Thursday of each month at the Central Valley Regional Center at 7:00 p.m. For more information, please call (559) 213-4996 email events@asaccc.org website: www.asaccc.org

About Autism

Autism is a developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life. It is the result of a neurological disorder that affects the functioning of the brain and interferes with normal cognitive development in the areas of reasoning, social interaction, and communication skills. Autism is four times more prevalent in boys than girls and knows no racial, ethnic or social boundaries. Experience has shown that these children can learn and that they respond best when given a structured program, positive reinforcement, visual aids, high expectations, and a neutral response to inappropriate behavior. A cure for Autism has not been found, but over the past 30 years significant progress and improved quality of life for individuals with Autism has occurred in the areas of research, medicine, accurate and early diagnosis, intense therapies, and appropriate education.