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Thanks to those able to join us
May
19th at the rally!
ADULT NEEDS
SURVEY
Please click here to be directed
to our
Adult Needs Survey.
The survey is for those individuals
ages
14 and older who have an Autism
Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and have needs or
will have
needs for intensive and
specialized
day, employment, and residential
supports
when they
reach
age 22.
It will only take about 15 minutes of your time
but the results and services we can advocate
for are priceless for those living with Autism
Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Thank you for your time
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IMPORTANT NEW INFORMATION POSTED - Click here
Update
Update on House Bill 984, An Act Relative to Insurance Coverage for Autism (ARICA)
We are off to a very strong start - 118 Legislators (out of 200) signed on as Co-Sponsors to ARICA. As a result of everyone's hard work there is scarcely a Senator or Representative who didn't hear from significant numbers of constitutents via phone calls, e-mails, letters and visits. Reports from the automated systems that were used to generate responses, etc. are that the numbers of people who responded on this issue surpassed records on every level. It speaks to the importance of this issue, but more importantly, reflects your hard work and commitment.
We have established good momentum (and experience) as we enter the next phase. There is much work that will need to be done to ensure ARICA's passage, and we will be reaching out to all of you again in the next few weeks as the process moves forward. On behalf of the AFAM Insurance Committee, please accept our thanks and gratitude.
Please click here for pictures from our 5th Anniversary
Please click here for pictures from Autism Awareness Day 2009
About Advocates for Autism for Massachusetts (AFAM)
Advocates for Autism of Massachusetts was formed in 2004
to address the need for public advocacy on behalf of individuals,
families and professionals who have or deal with people with
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) which also encompasses Asperger's
Syndrome and high-functioning Autism. The organization provides
an important arena for mobilizing those of us who deal with
ASD in our day-to-day lives as the most eloquent and persuasive
spokespeople for our concerns. Our efforts focus not only on the
State House but also on towns and city halls that also have
responsibility for service delivery and funding.
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| Our Mission and Principles |
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Vision
Gathering people with Autism Spectrum Disorders, their families, their friends, their advocates and those who provide support, Advocates for Autism of Massachusetts (AFAM) speaks in one voice to build the capacity of our communities to welcome, fully include and support people with ASD.
Mission
Advocates for Autism of Massachusetts will strive to assure the human and civil rights of individuals of all ages across the entire Autism Spectrum and promote the availability of essential supports so that they may live fully and enjoy the same opportunities as other citizens of the Commonwealth. We will educate individuals with ASD, their families and other AFAM members/supporters to be effective, vigorous agents of change.
Guiding Principles
In our work we will:
- Assure respect and dignity for individuals with ASD and their families by promoting positive views and valued roles for children and adults with ASD
- Seek to identify and eliminate the barriers facing people with ASD in Massachusetts
- Work in partnership with policy makers, educators, practitioners, disability groups and other advocates to build consensus and momentum for improving and expanding supports and resources for people with ASD
- Seek ways to empower people with ASD and their families to direct the course of their lives with needed, flexible supports and take full advantage of available resources
- Recognize that each person with ASD is unique and that the most effective supports are those that are individualized.
- Work to include individuals with ASD in all aspects of AFAM’s efforts.
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| Autism |
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Autism is a complex neurobiological disorder that inhibits
a person's ability to communicate, respond to surroundings
and form relationships. It is associated with rigid routines
and repetitive behaviors. Symptoms can range from very mild
to quite severe. It is part of a group of disorders known
as Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Today, 1 in 150 individuals
in the US is diagnosed with an ASD, Which makes it more common
than pediatric cancer, diabetes, and AIDS combined. It occurs
in all racial, ethnic, and social economic groups and is 4
times more likely to strike boys than girls. In Massachusetts,
the rate of ASDs is even higher - 1 in 122!! Click
here for results of the latest study - Prevalence Estimates
of Autism and Autism Spectrum Disorders in Massachusetts -
Final Report, December 2005
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