Katrina Autism

[Guest guest]

Toccopola, MS - Peg Pickering, the mother of a child with autism, has offered to

provide emergency housing for families of children with autism and other

developmental disorders at Camp Yocona in Toccopola, MS. The camp can

accommodate up to 350 people in cabins that can sleep up to 8 people each. Each

group of 4-5 cabins has a bathhouse. A large commercial kitchen and dining hall

is available and a volunteer will be staffing the kitchen to prepare meals

including gluten and casein free options for children on restricted diets. " The

camp will provide a healing environment for parents and children alike, offering

a place of solace and shelter while the families regroup and decide where to go

from here, " commented Pickering who is coordinating this effort.

Volunteers are needed at evacuation sites to help identify children with autism

and their families and let them know that assistance is available.

According to NAA Executive Director Jo Pike, " Children with autism have very

special needs. A simple disruption in routine can be devastating to them. We are

calling on local authorities and relief organizations to help us locate these

families as quickly as possible. "

Anyone with information on families of children with developmental disabilities

needing shelter as a result of the hurricane and its aftermath are asked to

contact the National Autism Association toll free at 866-622-6733, or Peg

Pickering at 662-488-9619. Tax-deductible donations to assist with this effort

can be made online at the National Autism Association effective immediately.

Checks can be mailed to:

First United Methodist Church of Pontotoc

Good Samaritan Autism Fund

P.O. Box 308

Pontotoc, MS 38863

In addition to monetary donations, the camp is in need of twin-size bed