Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a group
of developmental disabilities that typically involve delays and
impairment in social skills, language, and behavior. Autism is a
spectrum disorder, meaning that it affects people differently. How big
is the issue? Currently, one of every 166 children is currently
being diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Some children may
have speech delays, while others may not. Generally speaking if these
children are left untreated, many with will not develop effective
social skills and may not learn to talk or behave appropriately. In
most cases there is nothing about how a person with an ASD looks that
sets them apart from other people, however, they may communicate,
interact, behave, and learn in ways that are different from most
people. The thinking and learning abilities of people with ASD's can
vary – from gifted to the severely challenged. Autism is the most
commonly known type of ASD, but there are others, including “pervasive
developmental disorder-not otherwise specified” (PDD-NOS) and Asperger
Syndrome. (Above) Lynn George, Autism Support Daily co-founder, with
Congressman Sanders |
 How
is Champ involved with us in four events?Champ Story #1 (a first baseball game for Mason) Former staff member, Rachel DiGiammarino & her son Mason at his first baseball game! Champ must have been excited to meet him-- and how he's grown! (see their 2003 Family Story in the NICU) |
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Champ Story #2 (with MDA Ambassador and his family) Adam Wechsler is the Muscular Dystrophy Association's (MDA) Goodwill Ambassador for 2005. As a family, the Wechslers chose to accept Adam's position so they could give something back to the MDA, to be involved in a positive way, to help raise awareness, and to give Adam a voice in a fun venue. Adam was a Team Captain, enlisting his friends from school and elsewhere, for the MDA's 1st Annual Stride & Ride, which raised over $3,500. They presented MDA with the check on live TV at the Jerry Lewis Annual MDA Labor Day Telethon on Channel 22 and enjoyed meeting Champ, the VT Expos' mascot. |
 (Joanne, the Mom, is a Family Support Coordinator here at Parent to Parent.) They eagerly look forward to next year's events. |
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 Above right: Adam is interviewed on TV At left: Adam Wechsler- the MDA Goodwill Ambassador, At right: the Wechsler family; David, Joanne, Adam (age 9), Jacob (age 6), and Champ. |
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Champ
Story #3
(with a Supporting Parent supporting MDA) Supporting Parent, Michelle Jetti with son Derek participating at the MDA event  |
Champ Story #4 (he was there at the Expos Game) Volunteer 50/50 Raffle Ticket Sellers at the Vermont Expos Game in August helped raise $390!   Thanks
to:Steve & Trish Mason Danielle Viau Jennifer Carbee Susan Maude Michele & Kent Krehbiel Michael Giangreco Mary Beth Doyle Julianne Nickerson (with Madeline) Special thanks to Susan Torncello for organizing the event for us! |
"Thanks
for Summer Camp!"
