The Autism Foundation of the Carolinas (AFC) is a local non-profit foundation dedicated to addressing the needs of families in our community dealing with autism through inclusion-based programs. Our strategic focus is to provide opportunities to fully integrate individuals living with autism into our society and recognize their unique abilities, gifts, and talents. Through our inclusion-based programs, we provide opportunities for our special children to teach patience, tolerance and understanding to our non-affected community. In turn, they have more respect and acceptance for anyone who is different. Our mission is as follows:
To assist children with autism spectrum and related disorders to achieve fulfilling, productive and independent lives by:
- Increasing the knowledge and understanding of these children, their needs and their families’ needs through inclusion-based programs and community awareness,
- Providing families and caregivers access to information and resources regarding programs, services, therapies, and alternatives to help their children, and
- Providing financial assistance to families and the institutions that support the development of these children throughout their lifespan.
In fulfilling this mission, AFC has created and implemented six successful and meaningful programs with measurable results. More detailed information about these programs and how to access them can be found under Making a Difference:
- Inclusion-Based Afterschool Enrichment Program which is an innovative, therapeutic program located in three branches of the YMCA of Greater Charlotte serving children with autism, their typical peers, and high school/college volunteers
- University Autism Outreach Program which connects local college students at the major academic institutions wanting experience with autism with families that need help
- Lose the Training Wheels which teaches children with neurological disabilities how to ride a bike
- Professional Awareness Campaign to educate providers in our community about resources to help their patients
- All Faith’s Autism Initiative which assist places of worship in welcoming our children into their communities
- Financial Assistance Program which offers program scholarships to our programs and local summer camps
It is the desire of AFC to help families affected by autism find solutions and provide funding for them. We are dedicated to developing inclusion-based programs to enhance and improve the lives of not only the children, but also the entire family.
Did You Know…
- 1 in 73 students in CMS have a diagnosis of autism.
- 67 children will be diagnosed today in our community
- A new case is diagnosed nearly every 20 minutes
- How does funding for autism compare to other childhood disorders & diseases?
- Leukemia 1 in 25,000 Funding: $300 million
- Muscular Dystrophy 1 in 20,000 Funding: $160 million
- Cystic Fibrosis 1 in 5,000 Funding: $75 million
- Juvenile Diabetes 1 in 500 Funding: $140 million
- Autism 1 in 110 Funding: $15 million
Sources
http://www.fightingautism.org/idea/reports/NC-Autism-Statistics-Prevalence-Incidence-Rates.pdf
http://www.fightingautism.org/index.php
Autism Society of America
Autism Society of North Carolina
Autism Speaks
Centers for Disease Control Prevention
US Census Bureau
IDEA Data Warehouse