2014 Kids Count Workshop: An Overview

In Grant County awareness of ASD was raised when the Prevent Child Abuse Council elected autism as the focus of the 2014 workshop. The workshop titled, “Educate, Empower, & Enlighten A Community on Autism” was held from 8:30-10:00 a.m. followed by a parent panel.

The workshop began with Chris Bohn, Child Services Coordinator for the Grant County Special Education Cooperative providing the audience with an overview of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Chris shared recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention which found that 1 in 68 individuals has been identified with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine in March 2014 indicated that changes in the brain of an individual with autism may begin when the child is in the womb.

The next presenter, Lynn Gosser, Director of the Grant County Special Education Cooperative helped the audience to understand the scope of special education services in Grant County and the number of children currently being served.

Dr. Lori Goss-Reaves was the final presenter of the morning. She shared the findings of a research study she conducted for her dissertation along with The First Aid Kit for Families Raising Children with Autism. This “kit” was designed by the study’s participants to assist parents with locating community resources. Dr. Reaves then called to the platform five fathers and four mothers who were raising children with autism. Click here to read an overview of the parent panel.

April may be coming to a close, but it is our hope that community members will actively seek ways to “shine a light” on Autism year-round.