Lake County Autism Association is pleased to announce that a chapter of Providing Autism Links & Supports (PALS) in Lake County is now a reality.  PALS is a non-profit organization developed to assist the UCF Center for Autism Related Disabilities (CARD), which is state-funded. Since 2006, CARD’s budget has been reduced by more than $2.5 million, while the number of children diagnosed with ASD grows daily, creating a gap in funds needed to provide vital services.

Until now, there have been PALS chapters in Orange, Seminole, and Brevard County offering additional services and supports to families and professionals. In these counties PALS has successfully been hosting the following programs for individuals with ASD and their family members:

1. Camp TWO-CAN, a 4 week summer day camp for children with and without autism. ages 5-16.
2. Social Secret Spy Academy, a 3 week ½ day program for children with Aspergers to improve social Skills.
3. YOUTH PALS – high school based programs that raise funds and awareness and sponsor monthly events to include individuals with ASD to buddy-up.
4. Sisters’ Club – a club for typical sisters to come and do fun arts and crafts and more, ages kindergarten through 6th.
5. Sibshops – for typical siblings to come to a safe environment and understand they are not alone.
6. Family outings – fun for the entire family in the spring and fall.
7. Special guest presentations.

LCAA and PALS would like to duplicate these programs and add whatever else may be needed in Lake County.  Each county and their needs are different.  Each PALS chapter is driven by the needs of the county.

To learn more about supports and services, PALS and the Lake County Autism Association will host a Waterfront Picnic in the Park on Saturday, February 25th, 2012 from 11:00am to 2:00pm.  This event is designed to bring families affected by Autism from Lake County together in a fun-filled and informative event.

RSVP at www.pals-ucfcard.org or call (352) 432-8058 for more information.