The Central California Chapter of the Autism Society of America is a local supportive resouce for persons with autism and related disabilities, their families and friends, and interested professionals. Founded over 30 years ago, the Central California Chapter retains a strong association with both the Autism Society of California and the Autism Society of America.
The Central California Chapter provides many valuable services and resources for the local community. These include:
- Information and referral
- A 24 hour information line
- Monthly Chapter meetings
- A parent support group
- A lending library of books, videos and tapes
- Presentations to professionals, educators and
various civic groups
- Guest speakers and public workshops
- Fundraising and financial support for
local schools and programs
- Coordination of lobbying efforts to effect
legislation pertaining to the needs of persons
with autism and their families
- Monthly newsletters providing information about
upcoming events, resources and legislation.
All members of the Central California Chapter receive automatic membership in the Autism Society of California and the Autism Society of America. This entitles Chapter members to other benefits, including the outstanding national publication, The Advocate, which brings up to date information on research, treatment and legislation.
If you would like more information about the Central California Chapter of the Autism Society of America, please call our 24 hour information line number (559) 227-8991 and leave your name and phone number. You may also e-mail us using this E-Mail link.........  or mailto:centralcaliforniachapter@asaccc.org. You will be contacted as soon as possible by a Chapter representative.
Thank You.
Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life. The result of a neurological disorder that affects the functioning of the brain, autism and its associated behaviors have been estimated to occur in as many as 1 in 110 individuals (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2009). Autism is four times more prevalent in boys than girls and knows no racial, ethnic, or social boundaries. Family income, lifestyle, and educational levels do not affect the chance of autism's occurrence.
Autism impacts the normal development of the brain in the areas of social interaction and communication skills. Children and adults with autism typically have difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions, and leisure or play activities. The disorder makes it hard for them to communicate with others and relate to the outside world. In some cases, aggressive and/or self-injurious behavior may be present. Persons with autism may exhibit repeated body movements (hand flapping, rocking), unusual responses to people or attachments to objects and resistance to changes in routines. Individuals may also experience sensitivities in the five senses of sight, hearing, touch, smell, and taste.
Over one half million people in the U.S. today have autism or some form of pervasive developmental disorder. Its prevalence rate makes autism one of the most common developmental disabilities. Yet most of the public, including many professionals in the medical, educational, and vocational fields, are still unaware of how autism affects people and how they can effectively work with individuals with autism.
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