Patti Parish-Kaminski, Vincent M. Morales, Jr., and Tim Kaminski
April means that spring showers will bring us May flowers, and it is typically – if the weather cooperates – the official beginning of spring. But the month of April means much more than that to many parents and children in our community. April is World Autism Awareness Month, and while many of us might think that designation doesn’t directly affect us, the diagnosis in today’s children is more common than you might think. According to the Autism Society, 1 to 1.5 million Americans live with an Autism Spectrum Disorder, and Autism is the fastest-growing developmental disability with a 1,148% growth rate. What that means for our community is that approximately 1 in 88 children are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder according to an April 2012 study by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. But, what you may not realize is that Rosenberg is home to a remarkable center that is devoted to teaching these children providing them with productive, happy, functional lives.
I have had the privilege of seeing first-hand over the course of the past two years the amazing work that the professionals at Texana Children’s Center for Autism provides for our community, for our children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Their staff and the children and families they serve are truly remarkable. In this issue, you’ll meet the Shabib family from Richmond, and you will hear about Abrahim’s journey from an Autism diagnosis to the bright-eyed, engaging young man he is today because of his progress at Texana.
Texana is such an amazing resource for our community that absolutely! Brazos is proud to sponsor their upcoming workshop that helps caregivers, parents and teachers learn more about Autism Spectrum Disorder. The Texana Autism Conference is scheduled for Saturday, April 6th, and complete details are on page 33. If you are interested in learning more about Autism, we hope you will take advantage of this opportunity.
As my team and I are out and about in Brazos, we are receiving so much positive feedback and support from the community. Thank you for embracing our desire to provide a community-focused magazine serving the Brazos area. We appreciate your feedback and support, and we look forward to hearing about what you are doing out and about in Brazos.
absolutely! yours,
Patti Parish-Kaminski
Editor-in-chief, absolutely! Brazos