An Evening for Autism,

Karla Elliott

Just seven short years ago (although sometimes it does seem like a lifetime ago), my husband and I received the news that our youngest son, Sam, has autism.  I can’t even begin to tell you how difficult that day, and so many days that followed, were for us.  But it wasn’t long after the diagnosis that I was introduced to an organization – Talk About Curing Autism (TACA) that helped us far more than we ever could have imagined.     

It makes me almost speechless to look back and see everything that TACA has done for my family and I – and, most importantly, Sam – since Sam’s diagnosis.  We met a fabulous doctor (and then more than one) that’s helped us with Sam’s medical treatments.  We learned about, and have been able to implement, several therapies that have helped him speak, play, make friends, and thrive in a mainstream classroom.  We’ve attended numerous conferences to learn about the latest research and developments in autism prevention and treatment.  We’ve made the most incredible friends that walk beside us every single day in this journey.  And, most of all, we’ve learned that there is always have hope.  Today, I volunteer in by co-coordinating TACA’s efforts here in Indiana to help other families find that hope.

When I began working on the first An Evening for Autism more than five years ago, I was equally amazed at the work that Answers for Autism has done in the community.  Through their grant program, non-verbal children have learned how to communicate.  Kids have experienced the joy of summer camps that would never have been possible without the special services funded.  Local school districts have received funding to provide social skills training and adaptive equipment for classrooms.  And Indiana police and fire departments have been able to obtain training and provide services to help keep our kids safe through Project Lifesaver.

All these things?  They just scratch the surface of what our organizations do for community.  But – we are entirely volunteer based and obtain funding only through the efforts of our volunteers.  And our Fourth Annual An Evening for Autism provides the most significant opportunity to raise those much-needed dollars – and to invite our friends and supporters to enjoy a wonderful evening with our teams in the process!