Rise of Autism Diagnoses Reinforces Need for Education
Dr. Temple Grandin, world-renowned autism activist and author is keynote speaker
at Autism Services of the Finger Lakes Annual Autism Conference
Canandaigua, NY (August 13, 2015) Happiness House is hosting its 4th Annual Autism Conference on September 18, 2015 at Crosswinds Wesleyan Church in Canandaigua, New York. Thinking Across the Spectrum is an all-day event which features five well-known and respected expert speakers in a variety of autism related fields. Delivering the keynote address is Dr. Temple Grandin, world-renowned autism activist and author.
As the number of individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) increase each year, Autism Services of the Finger Lakes at Happiness House remains committed to its mission to serve. The agency is the premier provider in autism support, education, and program development in Ontario and surrounding counties. Recently, the agency increased its reach and scope of influence by aligning its services with CP Rochester, a similar agency serving the greater Rochester region.
Autism Spectrum Disorder is currently the fastest growing developmental disability in the United States. ASD refers to a complex group of neurodevelopmental disabilities with significant impairments in important functional skills such as communication and socialization. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) currently estimates that 1 in 68 children, and 1 in 42 boys, are identified as having Autism Spectrum Disorder. The number of children diagnosed with ASD continues to rise each year.
In Ontario and surrounding counties, we can expect the number of children diagnosed with ASD to mirror the national average. Happiness House has remained the region’s leader in support and education for those diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and their families. In addition to in-depth clinical and therapeutic programs and services designed to treat those with ASD, the agency spearheads educational forums like the upcoming Autism Conference.
This year’s conference, which is expected to fill all 300 available seats, will attract parents, caregivers, teachers, and other professionals who work with the ASD population. Thinking Across the Spectrum delivers a high level of expertise – including insights from a mother of two sons with autism and an adult daughter with a learning disability. Best-selling author Dr. Temple Grandin, a well-known professor of animal science at Colorado State University and autistic activist, will deliver the keynote address. Dr. Grandin is the inventor of the ‘hug box,’ a device that calms those on the autism spectrum. The subject of an award-winning, biographical film, Dr. Grandin also was listed in the Time 100 List of the one hundred most influential people in the world in the ‘Heroes’ category.
For details about the conference, contact Katie McGowen at kmcgowen@happineshouse.org or 315-789-6828. For more information regarding autism services, log onto www.happinesshouse.org.
Finger Lakes United Cerebral Palsy, Inc./Happiness House opened its doors in the late 1960s. With persistent grassroots enthusiasm and a professional staff of more than 200, Happiness House now operates multiple center-based programs in the Finger Lakes region which provide a variety of educational, therapeutic, recreational and family support service options to more than 1,150 children and adults with and without disabilities each year.
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Media Contact:
Cheryl L. Schaefer-Coppola
Vice President, Foundation and Development
Ability Partners Foundation ~ Happiness House & CP Rochester
585-394-8178 x7264
ccoppola@happinesshouse.org
