This year's focus was once again on the children, young adults and their families, offering them valuable information on services, state programs and education to assist them in helping their loved ones with an ASD.

More than 40 children romped and had fun with occupational and physical therapists while their parents learned more about Autism Spectrum Disorders.

In 2006, Susan Colón put together a short presentation including facts on autism and the beautiful faces who motivate her to continue in her efforts to help individuals and families whose lives have been touched by Autism. The Presentation this year was titled "Because you were there" and included photos of individuals with ASDs, their families, extended supports and care givers.  At the end of the touching presentation a child, with his mother shouted, "yea!!" and clapped, prompting laughter and tears from the audience.

Parents were recognized for their daily love and support and 45 books on Autism were handed out to parents to keep from generous donations made by friends and supporters of Autism-advocacy.org.  5 new books and 1 DVD were added to the Autism-advocacy.org Lending Library to be accessed by all wanting to borrow these materials.  Anyone interested should contact Susan at susan@autism-advocacy.org or 570-768-0010.

The Speakers spoke in their area of expertise and questions were answered from those attending.  In the commonwealth room providers of services were in attendance to provide interested parents and supporters about opportunities related to ASDs.

Many thanks to all the parents and loved ones of individuals with autism related disorders who took the time to come and support this event and hopefully leave knowing there is someone who knows what they are going through.

I applaud all of you who love your children and face the challenges each new day faces.  Please know there are those of us who are living them too - and that this is why I do what I do to improve the way society accepts and assists our loved ones.

If there is anyway in which I can help you - you but only need to reach out and ask - I am here and I want to help,
Susan  

susan@autism-advocacy.org

Susan Colon, MSED, Founder & CEO. Autism-advocacy.org

This year's Speakers were: 
Susan Colón, Founder Autism Advocacy.org –
Organizer and Founder of Event
Nina Wall Cote, Autism Affairs Director,
PA Department of Public Welfare
Ilene Shane, Esq., CEO - of the Disability Rights Network of Pennsylvania
Wendy Woolcock,  Speech Pathologist
Julia Robinson, School Psychologist, CSIU
Ann House, Occupational Therapist, Kidswork
Closing Presentation— “Because you were there” a tribute to children with ASDs and the people who love and support them.
Parent Recognition

Other Links for this event are:
Sponsor a book for Autism Awareness
2007 Donations!! - 45 books were donated to families and 5 new books and one DVD was placed in the Autism-advocacy.org Lending Library.

Previous Annual Autism-advocacy.org Autism Events
2006 Autism-Advocacy.org Event
2006 Sponsors
2005 Autism-Advocacy.org Event

More than 150 people attended this year's Autism event, including more than 40 children who enjoyed activities while their parents learned more about Autism related disorders.

I was very fortunate to have Nina Wall Cote,
PA Autism Affairs Director of Pennsylvania as a Guest Speaker speaking about the work
she and her office are doing, challenges we all face and
answering questions from those attending. 
(I apologize for this photo - it is the only one I could not take, as I was presenting)

See you all Next Year!!