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In March 2012, the South Carolina Autism Society will celebrate 40 years of service to families affected by autism spectrum disorders. In the early 1970s, a group of dedicated parents of children with autism came together for fellowship. They realized how little was known about autism and recognized that children with autism have their own special needs. Services were nonexistent or inappropriate. This group of parents stood together as a unified voice and worked diligently to improve the lives of individuals with autism spectrum disorders and their families in our state.

Their grassroots efforts would come to be known as the South Carolina Autism Society. The organization was chartered by the State of South Carolina in 1972.

The organization has grown immensely over the years from a handful of families the first few years to nearly 2,000 families today. To serve these families better we have expanded by opening additional satellite offices in Myrtle Beach, Charleston and Greenville. Today we are able to provide a variety of services, including:

• Information and Referral: Providing information to parents and professionals about autism and available services.

• Advocacy: SCAS provides advocacy on all levels, from the individual level on up to the system change level.

• Autism and Informed Response: Training for emergency responders (law enforcement, EMS, firefighters, etc.) on autism, using parent volunteers.

• Parent-School Partnership: PSP seeks to assist children with autism in receiving the best education possible by helping to build relationships between the school and the parents.

• Service Coordination: An expansion of the society’s existing programs of information and referral and advocacy. SCAS will provide service coordination to individuals with autism spectrum disorders.

SCAS has been extremely fortunate to have the support of families and the general public over the years. Thus, we have been able to reach out to families and to expand our services in South Carolina without a waiting list or limiting the amount of support we can offer.

Thank you in advance for your support. Please remember, almost 90 cents of every dollar goes directly to programs, and your donation is tax deductible.