Autism group changes name, now independent (Autism Pensacola)

[Guest guest]

A question one always when fundraiser & thensome: Are the funds going to be

utilized in your own community? How about for the adults? In other words

bust your butts off which we all know all for a good cause but it all goes

back when you need something, sometimes they are not there for you, it is

gimme, gimme & never nothing in return. So, what is it for me or my child?

About time many are waking up.

RE:

A local autism organization has changed its name to improve its impact for

Gulf Coast residents.

Autism Pensacola is the new name for the Autism Society of the Panhandle.

The change makes it independent of the Autism Society of America, which is

reorganizing.

The move ensures money raised locally stays here, said Quint Studer,

executive committee president.

" The national group wants more control and decision-making and for the money

to be held in the Northeast, " he said. " By becoming independent, we control

our funds and make decisions on when to support national (causes). "

The change also means the nationally acclaimed Kids for Camp will survive,

Studer said. The six-week summer camp provides educational experiences for

autistic children and training for teachers.

Lapen of Pace said the camp is a big draw for parents of children

who have autism, a complex developmental disorder. Her son, Micah Lapen, 8,

has autism.

" It takes a lot of money to run the camp, even though we don't charge a lot

for it, " she said. " Keeping money raised in this area in local control is a

good thing. "

The name change, new logo and updated Web site are great for Autism

Pensacola, which is working to develop more services, said Byram,

executive director.

" The earlier you begin treatment, the better the outcome, " she said.

" Education is the only treatment proven to make a definitive difference for

every child with autism. "

The local chapter has been serving Santa and Escambia counties since

2002. About 4,100 residents have a form of autism, Byram said.

For Lapen's family, Autism Pensacola has been a life line.

" It has put me in contact with people with whom I can share my thoughts

about Micah or just to say, 'This is what is happening,' " she said. " It's

nice to have some place to go where everyone knows your story and is going

through the same thing. "

http://www.pnj.com/article/20100123/NEWS01/1230315/1006/NEWS01/Autism-group-chan\

ges-name--now-independent

Autism Pensacola Splits from ASA to Keep Funds Local

http://www.ageofautism.com/2010/01/autism-pensacola-splits-from-asa-to-keep-fund\

s-local.html