Christine Padasak Memorial Autism Awareness 5k & Fun Walk
to benefit the Preschool Learning Center Autism Program
It seems as though Autism is in the news a lot these days. Much discussion surrounds the relative increase in incidence of this life long neurobiological disorder. Not all that long ago the documented incidence rate was about 1 in 600 children. The most recent epidemiological research suggests that it occurs in about 1 in 110 children. We really don’t know what causes Autism or why the numbers have increased so. We do know what works with regard to diminishing the life long impact of this very troubling disorder.
At the Preschool Learning Center in Springville, NY there is a highly specialized program with staff specifically trained to address the core issues of Autism. Research shows that hitting those core symptoms early with intensive behaviorally based instruction results in best outcomes. Autism formidably challenges children in areas often taken for granted in typically developing children. For example, communicating with one’s parents and peers is commonly very difficult. Even the development of simple play skills can be elusive for suffers of this invasive disorder. The challenges are huge subsequently necessitating efforts well beyond those afforded by most preschool programs.
Educational practices as usual do not tend to give children with Autism the intensive levels of support they need. Extra effort and resources are essential. Yet, in this difficult economic time, with educational budgets already strained to meet even basic needs, resources have been compromised. To accomplish great thing, one has to do great things. In order for the Preschool Learning Center do great things – the extra things that truly make a meaningful difference – they need your help.
The Kiwanis of Springville are holding the 2nd Annual Christine Padasak Memorial Autism Awareness 5k and Family Fun Walk at the Preschool Learning Center (PLC) on August 20th, 2011. Last year’s event successfully raised over $15,000 for the Autism Program at the PLC. The money has been put to good use to upgrade instructional and curriculum materials, technology, and training and consultation to ensure that great things continue happening. This August the event will go on as it did last year with the Christine Padasak Memorial 5k, a Family Fun Walk, a deluxe Pancake Breakfast along with games and activities for the entire family following the race and walk. The 5K will commence at 9:30 AM with the walk starting shortly there after. The Buffalo Sabres have generously donated to the event a signed Tyler Myers Jersey and a Vanek Signature hockey stick used in a Sabres game last season. These items will be raffled off at the event.
Please go to the school’s web site http://preschoollearningcenter.org for more information about the school, the Autism Program, the event itself, and registration materials. Please feel to contact Dr. Gerry Guild gguild@preschoollearningcenter.org or 716-592-9331 for questions about the Autism Program and/or the event itself.
