Autism is one of the fastest growing, most prevalent childhood disorders in the United States , affecting as many as one in every 166.  Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that interferes with normal development in language, intuitive thought, social interaction and an ability to connect with a person’s surroundings.  Approximately half of all children with autism are unable to communicate their needs using spoken words.  Most are unable to accommodate for changes in their daily routines.  Associated problems include hyperactivity, self-injurious behavior, and sleeplessness.  Order and consistently administered therapeutic interventions are critical to the affected child's and family's well being.

According to Katrina victim, Sheila L. Ealey, her six-year-old son has regressed significantly since Katrina hit. " Temple was receiving extensive behavioral and biomedical therapies and was doing so well.  He was mainstreamed with an aide half day in a regular kindergarten with intensive services in the afternoon. He is now flapping, stimming, banging his head, hitting me, crying and making strange noises.  It's so sad to see all of the work that has gone into the last four years for him leave within a week of being without therapy and his familiar surroundings."

To address long-term needs, AutismCares will advocate and implement proactive rehabilitation and assistance programs in an effort to help these families begin to rebuild their lives. AutismCares effort will be collaborating with officials from relief agencies including the American Red Cross and Salvation Army.  

The following links have been established: 

AutismCares web Site -  Objectives of the initiative, partners of the coalition, newsroom with contact information.

Victim's Assistance - Families dealing with autism needing help (coordinated within Unlocking Autism).

In-kind Donations - May include transportation, accommodations in a home, therapy, respite, or products for care packages.  All requests will be followed up by an advocate.

Specialty team volunteers – Possibly go down to Katrina-affected areas if needed. 

Donations - Collections go to the current autism disaster relief effort (collected by Cure Autism Now).

"We are so lost as a family," Ealey said .  "I grew up in New Orleans , raised an older daughter there and now am raising my three youngest ones.  I had dedicated the last two years to developing and financing a school for autistic children, which ironically was to begin the day Katrina stormed through.  My heart is broken. My husband and I have felt very alone as we desperately began looking to relocate our family permanently.  I am grateful for the kindness being offered through AutismCares."

Autism leadership organizations participating in the relief effort through AutismCares include: