Autism Treatment Center

Press Releases from ATC – San Antonio

Autism Intervention Center at TAMIU Sets Opening
– February 17, 2010

Autism Treatment Center Announces 2nd Annual Roundup for Autism Golf Classic
– October 27, 2009

Autism Treatment Center Announces Grant for Electronic Medical Records from Baptist Health Foundation of San Antonio
– October 26, 2009

Autism Treatment Center Announces Groundbreaking to Increase Autism Services
– March 23, 2009

Autism Treatment Center Announces Grant for Virtual Diagnostics in Laredo
– March 20, 2009

NARPAA Announces March Meeting in San Antonio
– February 17, 2009

Autism Treatment Center Announces Three New Members to Board of Directors
– February 2, 2009

Autism Treatment Center Announces Director’s Presentation to MIT School of Architecture
– November 24, 2008

Autism Treatment Center Announces $5000 Gift from the AT&T Foundation toward the Heart to Home Program
– October 24, 2008

Autism Treatment Center Rehabilitation Agency Announces its Quarterly Free Screening
– October 18, 2008

Autism Treatment Center Selected as 2009 Recipient of Kingdom for Kids Playground
– July, 2008

Autism Treatment Center Announces Autism Initiative for San Antonio
– April 21, 2008

Contact: Kirsten B. Hartley
Development Associate,
Autism Treatment Center
16111 Nacogdoches Road, San Antonio, Texas 75243
Office: 210-599-7766
Fax: 210-599-3105

Who: Autism Treatment Center – San Antonio
What: Autism Treatment Center Announces 2nd Annual Roundup for Autism Golf Classic
When: November 20, 2009
Where: Quarry Golf Club, San Antonio, Texas

For Immediate Release
Autism Treatment Center Announces 2nd Annual Roundup for Autism Golf Classic

Monday, November 2, 2009 – The Autism Treatment Center (ATC) is proud to announce the 2nd Annual Roundup for Autism Golf Classic which will take place November 20, 2009 at The Quarry Golf Club. Proceeds from the tournament will be used to build a “special needs” playground for children and adults served by ATC. The playground will be built in tandem with the Rotary Club of San Antonio’s Kingdom for Kids Program.

Along with this year’s tournament, ATC will be hosting a Clubhouse After Party from 6:00 – 9:00 pm for family and friends to join in on the fun (Tickets will be $20 at the door). The After Party will feature the music of San Antonio’s most popular local band, The Rick Cavender Band, with tasty tacos provided by sponsor, El Papalote Taco & Grill. As part of their involvement, El Papalote is also contributing 10% of taco and nacho sales from the month of November to ATC. Donation applies to all purchases of regularly priced Bean and Cheese Nachos, Chicken Nachos and Nachos Papalote (with beef fajita meat), as well as all single beef, chicken and shrimp tacos, plus taco combo plates.

The Roundup for Autism was founded by Bobby Norris in honor of his daughter who has autism and designed to raise funds for the Autism Treatment Centers of Texas. Celebrity Host, Steve Spriester, and sponsor, KSAT 12 News join ATC in supporting this worthy cause, and welcome the community in assisting with this tremendous undertaking.

Kingdom for Kids is a San Antonio Rotary Club sponsored program that partners with City Year San Antonio with a ready and experienced volunteer force to build play structures and lead landscaping efforts in one week. ATC is currently working on planning and fundraising with Rotary members, Rick Cavender, Kingdom for Kids Chairman, Mona Thaxton, and Darrell Lawson. ATC’s “special needs” playground will be installed on April 3rd and 4th of 2010. The new playground will complement ATC’s new out-patient Diagnostics and Therapy Clinic which is part of ATC’s Autism Initiative for San Antonio.

2009 Roundup for Autism Golf Classic Sponsors:

Alamo Neurosurgical Institute		Linebarger Goggan Blair Sampson, LLP
Awfully Good Gifts		Lynda Billa Burke
Bobby Norris		Norris Foundation
Boudros Texas Bistro		Renee McElhaney
Dennis Martinez Associates		Rick Cavender Band
El Papalote Taco & Grill		Roland Guttierez
Frost Bank		SeaWorld San Antonio
Golf Galaxy		Selrico Services, Inc.
GolfTec		Silver Eagle Distributors/Bud Light
Jamail & Smith Construction		Terry Collins Massage
Javelina Harley-Davidson		Quarry Golf Club
KSAT 12		Zachry Holdings, Inc.
Len Leek Family

If you would like more information on how to join these wonderful sponsors for this event, please contact Kirsten Hartley at (210) 599-7766 or at khartley@atcoftexas.org.

About the Autism Treatment Center:

For more than 30 years, the Autism Treatment Center has served San Antonio by assisting children and adults with autism throughout their lives 24/7/365 as they learn, play, work and live in the community. ATC provides: residential, educational, employment, diagnostic, therapeutic, consultation, information dissemination and research services for people with autism and their families. ATC’s combined operations currently manage and oversee day programs, 20 group homes, and two Diagnostic & Therapeutic Rehabilitation Agencies. For more information, please visit www.atcoftexas.org.

Autism is the most widely diagnosed developmental disability in the nation, affecting 1 in 91 children; a ten-fold increase over the past 20 years. Autism is more common than the sum of all childhood cancers, muscular dystrophy, juvenile diabetes and cystic fibrosis combined. Every day, 66 children are diagnosed with autism, nearly 3 per hour.

In addition, the Current Autism Facts:

Autism is the fastest-growing serious developmental disability in the U.S.
Boys are four times more likely than girls to have autism
There is no medical detection or cure for autism

Contact: Kirsten B. Hartley, Development Coordinator, 210-599-7766 or khartley@atcoftexas.org

Contact: Kirsten B. Hartley
Development Associate,
Autism Treatment Center
16111 Nacogdoches Road, San Antonio, Texas 75243
Office: 210-599-7766
Fax: 210-599-3105

Who: Autism Treatment Center – San Antonio
What: Grant for Electronic Medical Records Awarded by Baptist Health Foundation of San Antonio
When: Monday, October 26, 2009
Where: San Antonio, Texas

For Immediate Release
Autism Treatment Center Announces Grant for Electronic Medical Records from
Baptist Health Foundation of San Antonio

Monday, October 26, 2009 – The Autism Treatment Center is pleased to announce the organization has secured a grant from Baptist Health Foundation of San Antonio’s Strategic Initiatives Grants in the amount of $149,250 to establish an Electronic Medical Records (EMR) system. The EMR system will allow people with autism and the professionals who provide their services more expeditious access to their comprehensive records; ultimately improving ATC’s ability to serve the needs of the people ATC serves in Bexar county.

The EMR system will greatly facilitate ATC’s efficiency, accuracy and flexibility in methods of keeping records regarding the input into client files, accessibility of records and optimizing billing avenues. These benefits will serve to enhance program design for clients; providing the advantage of complete records in one location to access for review and planning. In addition, using EMR, ATC will be able to quickly provide verification of insurance and confirmation of Medicaid approval; which will help families meet the cost of services. It will also support electronic communication and connectivity, provide for multiple users simultaneously viewing a single record, tap into the system from any internet location, and the ability to access to records to study and analyze trends for research purposes.

Studies reflect that more services for children with autism and related disorders are needed in the San Antonio area to meet the demand (Kronkosky & USAA, 2008). ATC is currently working to increase services for all ages by providing additional diagnostics, virtual diagnostics, re-evaluations, skills assessments, occupational and speech therapy services to the San Antonio area. In 2005, the Center opened an Out-Patient Medicaid approved Rehabilitation Agency (ATCRA) on Perrin-Beitel Road in Northeast San Antonio. ATC is building a new ATCRA that will allow the organization to double the number of people currently served. The ATCRA will be located on Nacogdoches Road with construction beginning January 2010 and a move-in date of August 2010. In an effort to assist families with the cost for services, the ATC’s Rehabilitation Agency is Medicaid approved and accepts insurance and/or private pay.

This year, Baptist Health Foundation of San Antonio approved seventy-seven projects, awarding over 4.8 million grant dollars. The Foundation will be presenting ATC their check on Thursday, November 19, 2009 at 4:00 PM at the Bright Shawl.

About the Autism Treatment Center:

Contact: Kirsten B. Hartley, Development Coordinator, 210-599-7766 or khartley@atcoftexas.org

Contact: Kirsten B. Hartley
Development Associate,
Autism Treatment Center
16111 Nacogdoches Road, San Antonio, Texas 75243
Office: 210-599-7766
Fax: 210-599-3105

What: Autism Treatment Center’s (ATC) Groundbreaking Ceremony
When: Friday, March 27, 2009 at 11a.m. to 12 p.m.
Where: San Antonio, Texas

For Immediate Release
Autism Treatment Center Announces Groundbreaking to Increase Autism Services

Monday, March 23, 2009 – The Autism Treatment Center is pleased to announce a groundbreaking ceremony to be held on Friday, March 27, 2009 at 11 am to noon. The location of the groundbreaking is on a lot near ATC’s current facility on Nacogdoches Road on Highway 1604 in Northeast San Antonio. This long-anticipated event will realize the first step to building a new out-patient Medicaid-approved Diagnostic and Therapy Rehabilitation Agency (ATCRA) for children with autism in San Antonio who are seeking much-needed services.

The Autism Treatment Center purchased 3.5 acres of land next to the Comanche Lookout Park with the goal of expanding services. To accomplish this goal, ATC will build two new facilities architecturally sensitive to the needs of people with autism: Phase I and Phase II.

Phase I - Autism Treatment Center Rehabilitation Agency (ATCRA) is a new state-of-the-art facility. The ATCRA is Medicaid certified and will serve out-patients allowing the ATCRA to increase diagnostic, therapeutic, and research services to families with children seeking services in San Antonio.

ATCRA Services will include:

Diagnostic Services (all ages)

Assessments (all ages past 18 mos.)

Developmental Screening (18 months – 5 years)

Educational Services (ATC is TEA accredited) (ages 3-21)

Speech and Occupational therapy (Medicaid and private pay patients at this time)

Phase II – Autism Treatment Center core building will house our Texas Education Agency accredited school for children, employment training and opportunities for adults, research collaborations with universities, telemedicine and telediagnostic services and administration offices.

Behind Phase I and Phase II will be a therapeutic playground designed by therapist and teachers to provide the best advantages for physical growth, social development and fun playful activities.

Special attention has been given to address sensitivities and the advantageous use of sound, light and texture. In addition, way finding, which incorporates features that draw a person through a building, has been included to support a sense of familiarity and independence for children with autism. ATC and its’ architectural team were invited to present the plans for our facility to the Architectural Department at MIT in November 2008. MIT was intrigued by the innovation of all these adaptations being incorporated into one facility. ATC’s Diagnostic and Therapy Rehabilitation Agency for children with autism will serve as a model that can be replicated by other organizations serving people with special needs.

To support this effort with their endorsement, ATC is pleased to announce our newly formed Honorary Advisory Board:

Chairman – Lynda Billa Burke and members:

Dr. Jose Arbona and Dr. Lourdes Pizaña
Mr. Sam Barshop
Ms. JoAnn Boone
The Honorable Joaquin Castro
Mr. Rick Cavender
Mrs. Mary Alice P. Cisneros
The Honorable Frank J. Corte Jr.
Major General and Mrs. Abraham J. Dreiseszun
The Honorable Trey Martinez Fischer
Mr. Pat Frost
Dr. Fernando A. Guerra
Mrs. Kathleen Gunn
The Honorable Roland Gutiérrez
Mr. Gordon V. Hartman
Mr. James Jonas III
Mrs. Rosemary Kowalski
Mr. and Mrs. Sid Lachman
Ms. Martha P. Landsman
The Honorable David McQuade Leibowitz
Dr. and Mrs. Michael Leonard
Mr. James Lifshutz
The Honorable Ruth Jones McClendon
The Honorable Jose Menendez
Mr. Mike Novak
The Honorable Susan D. Reed
Mr. Bob Richter
The Honorable Peter Sakai
Mrs. Sheryl Sculley
The Honorable John J. Specia, Jr.
Ms. Patricia Pilego Stout
Ms. Florence Terrell
The Honorable Leticia Van De Putte
Ms. Dru Van Steenberg
Mr. Mike Westheimer
The Honorable Kevin A. Wolff

Chairman Billa Burke has served on the ATC Board of Directors for the past eleven years, sharing her extensive expertise in San Antonio community affairs. Billa Burke has also has given the city of San Antonio many hours of her time as a former City Council member, current chairperson for the Bexar County Juvenile Detention Center, current elected school board member for East Central ISD, current board member of the Witte Museum, current board member of the San Antonio Planning Commission and current board member of the San Antonio River Commission. ATC is honored to have Lynda’s enthusiasm and leadership skills as we seek to raise funds and awareness for ATC’s programs and services.

Scheduled speakers at the groundbreaking ceremony include: Ms. Anna Hundley (ATC Executive Director), Mr. Len Leek (President, ATC Board of Directors), Ms. Lynda Billa Burke (Chairman, ATC Honorary Advisory Board), Mr. Alonzo Andrews (Director, ATC – San Antonio), Ms. Ivy Zwicker (Assistant Director, ATC – San Antonio), Bill Reeves (President, American Institute of Architects), Monte Zajiceck and Christian Owens (Partner/Principals of SHW Group), Rick Cavender (Vice President, Cavender Auto Family), Dennis Martinez (Principal, DMAssociates), and Heather Russell (ATC Development Director).

Anna Hundley, Executive Director of the Autism Treatment Center stated, “We are extremely excited to expand services to the families of San Antonio with autistic children. Recent studies confirmed what we already know – that there is greater demand for autism programs and services in the San Antonio community than what is currently available. ATC’s expansion of services will bring increased hope to more families.”

Autism is the most widely diagnosed developmental disability in the nation, affecting 1 in 150 children; a ten-fold increase over the past 20 years. Autism is more common than the sum of all childhood cancers, muscular dystrophy, juvenile diabetes and cystic fibrosis combined. Every day, 66 children are diagnosed with autism, nearly 3 per hour. Service providers across the nation are striving to meet the needs of these children and to give hope and inspiration to their families by expanding existing and incorporating new services.

About the Autism Treatment Center:

The Autism Treatment Center has served San Antonio by assisting children and adults with autism throughout their lives 24/7/365 as they learn, play, work and live in the community. ATC provides: residential, educational, employment, diagnostic, therapeutic, consultation, information dissemination and research services for people with autism and their families. ATC’s combined operations currently manage and oversee day programs, 20 group homes, and two Diagnostic & Therapeutic Rehabilitation Agencies. For more information, please visit www.atcoftexas.org.

Contact: Kirsten B. Hartley, Development Coordinator, 210-599-7766 or khartley@atcoftexas.org

Contact: Kirsten B. Hartley
Development Associate,
Autism Treatment Center
16111 Nacogdoches Road, San Antonio, Texas 75243
Office: 210-599-7766
Fax: 210-599-3105

Who: Autism Treatment Center – San Antonio
What: Federal Grant for Virtual Diagnostics to Benefit Children with Autism
When: Friday, March 20, 2009
Where: Laredo, Texas

For Immediate Release
Autism Treatment Center Announces Grant for Virtual Diagnostics in Laredo

Friday, March 20, 2009 – The Autism Treatment Center is pleased to announce the organization has secured a federal grant in the amount of $238,000 to establish a Virtual Diagnostic Clinic for families in Laredo and the Rio Grande Valley seeking diagnosis of a child with autism. The clinic will allow the Autism Treatment Center (ATC) to reach families in Laredo and the Rio Grande Valley, a region of Texas that lacks vital resources to diagnose autism and other related developmental disorders.

The grant was announced at the Laredo Public Library – Main Branch in a press conference held Friday, March 20th, 2009 at 10 am. The announcement was made by U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) and Alonzo Andrews, Director of Autism Treatment Center – San Antonio.

The Virtual Diagnostic Clinic will employ Video Conference Methodologies to allow a certified Autism Specialist the capacity to provide assessments to children with autism in real time or through archived files. Video Conferencing will also include training for parents and professionals to implement recommended interventions.

Alonzo Andrews, Director of the Autism Treatment Center in San Antonio, said, “With these funds, we will be able to better serve families in Laredo and District 28 who do not have access to the resources they need for basic diagnostic services for autism. With the aid of modern technology, we are able to reach these traditionally under-served areas and bring the necessary help many families desperately need. Basic services that would otherwise require extended travel can now be acquired in a centralized location near their home.”

About the Autism Treatment Center:

The Autism Treatment Center has served San Antonio by assisting children and adults with autism throughout their lives 24/7/365 as they learn, play, work and live in the community. ATC provides: residential, educational, employment, diagnostic, therapeutic, consultation, information dissemination and research services for people with autism and their families. ATC’s combined operations currently manage and oversee day programs, 20 group homes, and two Diagnostic & Therapeutic Rehabilitation Agencies. For more information, please visit www.atcoftexas.org.

Contact: Kirsten B. Hartley
Development Associate,
Autism Treatment Center
16111 Nacogdoches Road, San Antonio, Texas 75243
Office: 210-599-7766
Fax: 210-599-3105

What: Annual Conference of the National Association of Residential Providers for Adults with Autism (NARPAA)
- “Remember Adults With Autism”

When: Friday, March 6, 2009
Where: San Antonio, Texas

For Immediate Release
NARPAA Announces March Meeting in San Antonio: “Remember Adults With Autism”

Tuesday, February 17, 2009 – March 6, 2009 will see representatives from 22 leading providers of adult autism services march on The Alamo City for the annual conference of the National Association of Residential Providers for Adults (NARPAA). The conference, titled “Remember Adults With Autism”, will be hosted by the Autism Treatment Center, a non-profit organization providing services for children and adults with autism in San Antonio.

Anna P. Hundley, President of NARPAA for 5 years and Executive Director of the Autism Treatment Center for 27 years, will welcome agencies from as far as California to Connecticut to discuss best practices for providing adult services, the continuing effort to expand services for adults with autism, and pertinent legislative issues before federal and state lawmakers. Ms. Hundley was recently re-appointed by Governor Rick Perry to serve as the Vice Chair of the Texas Council on Autism, an advisory group to state agencies and the state legislature to make sure the needs of persons with autism and their families are met.

“NARPAA is an amazing organization with the express design of exchanging information to better serve adults with autism. This open forum particularly helps agencies in areas where services are lacking. As President of the organization and Executive Director of the Autism Treatment Center, I appreciate the effectiveness of our members and the uniformity brought to our field. Working with all our members has been a unique honor”, said Ms. Hundley.

NARPAA is a nationally-recognized organization focused on providing information for autism-related service providers for adults. NARPAA also offers extensive web training materials through the NARPAA On-line Catalogue of Courses. Among the courses offered, NARPAA developed an on-line training program, entitled E-Class, for providers of adult services; E-Class is the only on-line training for working with adults with autism.

Autism is the most widely diagnosed developmental disability in the nation, affecting 1 in 150 children; a ten-fold increase over the past 20 years. Autism is more common than the sum of all childhood cancers, muscular dystrophy, juvenile diabetes and cystic fibrosis combined. Every day, 66 children are diagnosed with autism, nearly 3 per hour. Service providers across the nation are striving to meet the needs of these children and to give hope and inspiration to their families by expanding existing and incorporating new services.

About NARPAA and the Autism Treatment Center:

NARPAA (National Association of Residential Providers for Adults with Autism) is a professional organization of service providers and other direct support personnel who work with adults with autism. The non-profit organization promotes quality standards through training, opens access in under-served areas, exchanges information with members and partners to promote efficiency and effectiveness, and promotes effective public policy relating to the needs of adults with autism. NARPAA is a member-based organization to more than twenty organizations across the nation. For more information, please visit www.narpaa.org.

Contact: Kirsten B. Hartley
Development Associate,
Autism Treatment Center
16111 Nacogdoches Road, San Antonio, Texas 75243
Office: 210-599-7766
Fax: 210-599-3105

What: Autism Treatment Center Announces Three New Members to Board of Directors
When: Tuesday, February 2, 2009
Where: San Antonio, Texas

For Immediate Release
Autism Treatment Center Announces Three New Members to Board of Directors

Tuesday, February 2, 2009 The Autism Treatment Center is excited to announce three members to its governing Board of Directors. The three new members are prominent citizens of San Antonio and bring a wealth of information from their respective fields. The new members include:

Mr. Bebb Francis
Bebb is currently an attorney-at-law with Francis Law Firm. Bebb earned his law degree at St. Mary’s University School of Law and is a registered lobbyist providing legal advice in the areas of telecommunication, commercial real estate, economic development incentives, and zoning, platting, and land use.

Maria de Lourdes Pizana, Ph.D.
Lourdes received a Doctorate in Marriage and Family Therapy from St. Mary’s University and a Masters Degree in Counseling and Guidance. Lourdes is employed by the Rosa Verde Family Health Group. As Chief Executive Officer, Lourdes oversees all administrative, financial, and clinical aspects of the mental health organization. She is a parent of a child with autism.

Dr. Fernando A. Guerra
Dr. Guerra is the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District Director and oversees the operation of 32 health locations throughout the San Antonio community. He sustains a long-standing interest and involvement in improving access to health care systems for infants, women, children, and the elderly. Dr. Guerra has been active with local, regional and national forums with responsibilities including research, program and policy development, legislative issues and health planning.

For more than 30 years, the Autism Treatment Center has served San Antonio by assisting children and adults with autism throughout their lives 24/7/365 as they learn, play, work and live in the community. ATC provides: residential, educational, employment, diagnostic, therapeutic, consultation, information dissemination and research services for people with autism and their families. ATC currently operates a day program, owns 6 group homes, and manages a Diagnostic & Therapeutic Rehabilitation Agency. For more information, please visit www.atcoftexas.org.

Contact: Kirsten B. Hartley
Development Associate,
Autism Treatment Center
16111 Nacogdoches Road, San Antonio, Texas 75243
Office: 210-599-7766
Fax: 210-599-3105

What: Autism Treatment Center Announces Director’s Presentation to MIT School of Architecture
When: Monday, November 24, 2008
Why: Expanding to meet the growing need for autism services in the San Antonio area
How: Visit www.atcoftexas.org or call 210-599-7766

For Immediate Release

Autism Treatment Center Announces Director’s Presentation to MIT School of Architecture

Monday, November 24, 2008 the Autism Treatment Center (ATC) is proud to announce that Director, Alonzo Andrews, has been invited to present to MIT’s School of Architecture, “Understanding the User – A Back Seat for Architecture.” The presentation will be given alongside designers from the SHW Group, the architectural firm designing ATC’s new out-patient Diagnostic & Therapy Clinic, which will break ground January 2009, as part of its Autism Initiative for San Antonio. Thanks to the 30 years of experience under ATC’s belt, the new state-of-the-art facility will be unlike any other existing, because it has been specifically designed with the needs of autistic individuals in mind.

This lecture will present pioneering ideas in the field of architecture to students in MIT’s class, Architecture & Autism, as well as, several autism research groups. Scott Deans, Associate AIA Designer with SHW Group, stated, “The purpose of this presentation is to create productive affiliations with people who are interested in progressing the notion that facilities for autism must be new and responsive investigations of architecture.” SHW Group has worked with Mr. Andrews on designing a new facility that not only promotes notions of therapy and learning, but actually acts as a tool in understanding and researching the evasive characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorder.

ATC’s new out-patient Diagnostic & Therapy Clinic will be an approximately 6,000 square foot building, housing six therapy rooms and an expansive sensory lab which will be used for intensive speech, occupational and behavioral therapy. This facility will allow ATC to triple the amount of individuals it currently serves. The therapy rooms will also be used for diagnostics and assessment, allowing ATC to begin offering outpatient services in an effort to meet the vast needs of the San Antonio community. These rooms will be wired with video cameras that will send a live feed to a comfortable and private viewing room where parents will be able to tune in wirelessly to view, in real time, the diagnosis and assessment of their child.

There will be a meditation garden where patients, parents, and staff can relax and get away from the everyday stresses that are brought on by dealing with this condition. The building has been designed, keeping in mind the fact that individuals with autism often have heightened sensory perception, making them hypersensitive to lights, sounds, and textures. The materials that will be used are environmentally safe and considerate of individuals with chemical sensitivities. It will utilize natural light as much as possible, decreasing artificial light which tends to be loud and disruptive to people with audio and visual sensitivities. Textured walls and floors will communicate flow and movement throughout the building which is conducive to some individuals’ tactile senses.

The building will also include a virtual simulation lab, incorporating the most recent technology offered for the treatment of autism. Mr. Andrews has long been a champion for these types of technologies, and believes they are the future of autism services. It will accommodate tele-diagnostic procedures developed in collaboration with the University of Texas- Pan American and the University of Texas in Austin since 2001.

Additionally, extrapolating from research in computer-assisted training with UT, the building will include a virtual simulation area for adaptive behavior training. The clinical environment has been designed to accommodate the perspective of children with autism, structuring space and time to support treatment.

For more than 30 years, the Autism Treatment Center has served San Antonio by assisting individuals with autism throughout their lives 24/7/365 as they learn, play, work and live in the community. ATC provides: residential, educational, employment, diagnostic, therapeutic, consultation, information dissemination and research services for people with autism and their families. The Autism Treatment Center currently operates a day program, owns 7 group homes, and manages a Diagnostic & Therapeutic Rehabilitation Agency.

Autism has increased exponentially and the need for services is growing rapidly. Autism is the most widely diagnosed developmental disability in the nation, now affecting 1 in 150 children, a ten-fold increase over the past 20 years. It is more common than the sum of all childhood cancers, muscular dystrophy, juvenile diabetes and cystic fibrosis combined. Every day, 66 children are diagnosed with autism, nearly 3 per hour.

In addition, the Current Autism Facts:

1 in 150 children is diagnosed with autism
Autism is the fastest-growing serious developmental disability in the U.S.
Autism costs the nation over $90 billion per year, a figure expected to double in the next decade
Boys are four times more likely than girls to have autism
There is no medical detection or cure for autism

Contact: Kirsten B. Hartley, Development Coordinator, 210-599-7766 or khartley@atcoftexas.org

Contact: Kirsten B. Hartley
Development Associate,
Autism Treatment Center
16111 Nacogdoches Road, San Antonio, Texas 75243
Office: 210-599-7766
Fax: 210-599-3105

What: Autism Treatment Center Announces $5000 Gift from the AT&T Foundation toward the Heart to Home Program
When: October 24, 2008
Why: To assist people with autism and related disorders as they learn, play, work and live in the community.
How: Visit www.atcoftexas.org or call 210-599-7766

For Immediate Release

Autism Treatment Center Announces $5000 Gift from the AT&T Foundation toward the Heart to Home Program

October 24, 2008 the Autism Treatment Center’s (ATC) Heart to Home Program has its second wind, thanks to a generous contribution of $5000 from the AT&T Foundation awarded on Friday, October 24, 2008. The program which includes two parts, a Horticulture Program and a Pottery Program consists of teaching individuals with autism how to plant and maintain garden beds and succulents, a greenhouse, a pumpkin patch, and a compost pile, and how to form and fire clay into pottery. With these skills ATC hopes to hone the creative energies of the individuals in their program to generate items that anyone in the community can purchase. ATC looks forward to beginning the sale of items produced in the Heart to Home Program in February of 2009, including piñatas, pottery, and home grown goods. The funds raised through the sale of Heart to Home items will go toward furthering efforts in the program and will provide gainful employment, an invaluable experience for adults with autism.

ATC formed the Heart to Home Program as part of their adult Employment Services in order to serve individuals with autism educationally and vocationally. Many individuals with autism suffer from communication deficiencies that cause them to have trouble engaging with others and forming relationships, as well as performing everyday tasks. The program utilizes clinical interventions and directs them toward helping individuals with autism engage in constructive activities that promote independence, optimism, inner confidence, esteem and well being for oneself. They will benefit from these tasks by taking pride in the items they produce and creating partnerships with the surrounding community through the vending of these items.

ATC would like to recognize the AT&T Pioneers for the countless volunteer hours they have given and the valued partnership they have created with ATC over the years. Beyond helping to make the Heart to Home Program possible, they have painted the interiors of many of ATC’s group homes, making the living environment for the individuals in our program fresh and inviting. They are also responsible for donating school supplies and household items that assist the individuals with autism in their everyday lives. And they made the holiday season very special for the people in our program by throwing a holiday celebration, complete with gifts, in December. The AT&T Pioneers have undoubtedly assisted ATC in meeting its goals and fulfilling its worthy mission to assist people with autism and related disorders as they learn, play, work and live in the community.

For more than 30 years, the Autism Treatment Center has served San Antonio by assisting individuals with autism throughout their lives 24/7/365 as they learn, play, work and live in the community. ATC provides: residential, educational, employment, diagnostic, therapeutic, consultation, information dissemination and research services for people with autism and their families. The Autism Treatment Center currently operates a TEA accredited school, day habilitation program, owns 7 group homes, and manages a Diagnostic & Therapeutic Rehabilitation Agency.

In addition, the Current Autism Facts:

1 in 150 children is diagnosed with autism
Autism is the fastest-growing serious developmental disability in the U.S.
Autism costs the nation over $90 billion per year, a figure expected to double in the next decade
Boys are four times more likely than girls to have autism
There is no medical detection or cure for autism

Contact: Kirsten B. Hartley, Development Coordinator, 210-599-7766 or khartley@atcoftexas.org

Contact: Kirsten B. Hartley
Development Associate,
Autism Treatment Center
16111 Nacogdoches Road, San Antonio, Texas 75243
Office: 210-599-7766
Fax: 210-599-3105

What: Autism Treatment Center Rehabilitation Agency Announces its Quarterly Free Screening
When: October 18, 2008
Why: Expanding to meet the growing need for autism services in the San Antonio area
How: Visit www.atcoftexas.org or call 210-599-7766

For Immediate Release

Autism Treatment Center Rehabilitation Agency Announces its Quarterly Free Screening

October 18, 2008 The Autism Treatment Center Rehabilitation Agency is excited to announce that they are offering a free language and behavior screening for children between the ages of 18 months to 5 years on October 18, 2008, as a part of their Autism Initiative for San Antonio. Autism has increased exponentially and the need for services is growing rapidly. Autism is the most widely diagnosed developmental disability in the nation, now affecting 1 in 150 children, a ten-fold increase over the past 20 years. It is more common than the sum of all childhood cancers, muscular dystrophy, juvenile diabetes and cystic fibrosis combined. Every day, 66 children are diagnosed with autism, nearly 3 per hour.

Because early detection and early intervention of autism are crucial to solving this problem, ATC has decided to offer a quarterly Free Screening to the San Antonio community that will allow licensed professionals to screen speech, language, play and behavior determining whether a child is reaching the appropriate developmental milestones. All participants will receive a gift bag, containing information on local providers and resources in the community, and if necessary, a follow-up phone call to discuss the results of the screener.

Alonzo Andrews M.A., Director of ATC, has 27 years of experience in the field of behavioral disorders and autism. Tracey Siebold, M.S., Speech Pathologist, has worked with children with speech and language impairments since 1987.

If you would like to schedule an appointment for your child, or you simply would like more information about this important opportunity, please call (210)599-7733.

In addition, the Current Autism Facts:

1 in 150 children is diagnosed with autism
Autism is the fastest-growing serious developmental disability in the U.S.
Autism costs the nation over $90 billion per year, a figure expected to double in the next decade
Boys are four times more likely than girls to have autism
There is no medical detection or cure for autism

Contact: Kirsten B. Hartley, Development Coordinator, 210-599-7766 or khartley@atcoftexas.org

Contact: Kirsten B. Hartley
Development Associate,
Autism Treatment Center
16111 Nacogdoches Road, San Antonio, Texas 75243
Office: 210-599-7766
Fax: 210-599-3105

What: Autism Treatment Center Selected as 2009 Recipient of Kingdom for Kids Playground
When: July 2008
Why: To build a “special needs” playground for their new facilities
How: Visit www.atcoftexas.org or call 210-599-7766

For Immediate Release

Autism Treatment Center Selected as 2009 Recipient of Kingdom for Kids Playground

July 2008 The Autism Treatment Center (ATC) is proud to announce that we have been selected as the 2009 charity for Kingdom for Kids Playground Program where we will work in partnership with members of Rotary 52 to achieve the goal of building a “special needs” playground that is slated to be installed in the spring/summer of 2009. ATC is currently working with Rotary members, Darrell Lawson of Creative Components, the company that will supply the playground equipment for this project and Rick Cavender, Kingdom for Kids Chairman. The new playground will complement ATC’s new out-patient Diagnostics and Therapy Clinic which is part of ATC’s recently launched Autism Initiative for San Antonio.

In order to raise funds for this project, ATC will hold the 1st Annual Roundup for Autism Golf Classic which will take place November 17, 2008 at La Cantera’s stunning Palmer Course. The Roundup for Autism was founded by Bobby Norris in honor of his daughter who has autism and designed to raise funds for the Autism Treatment Centers of Texas. Celebrity Host, Steve Spriester, and sponsor, KSAT 12 News join ATC in supporting this worthy cause, and welcome the community in assisting with this tremendous undertaking. If you would like more information on how to join KSAT 12 News, Cavender Auto Family, and Frost Bank as a sponsor for this great event, please contact Kirsten Hartley at (210) 599-7766 or at khartley@atcoftexas.org.

Kingdom for Kids is a San Antonio Rotary Club sponsored program that partners with City Year San Antonio with a ready and experienced volunteer force to build play structures and lead landscaping efforts. Since this program was founded in 1996, Kingdom for Kids has completed seven state of the art playground builds at inner schools and public libraries across the community. Rotarian volunteers will join City Year Corps members and other corporate teams to complete the project in just one week.

For more than 30 years, the Autism Treatment Center has served San Antonio by assisting individuals with autism throughout their lives 24/7/365 as they learn, play, work and live in the community.

ATC provides: residential, educational, employment, diagnostic, therapeutic, consultation, information dissemination and research services for people with autism and their families. The Autism Treatment Center currently operates a day program, owns 7 group homes, and manages a Diagnostic & Therapeutic Rehabilitation Agency.

In addition, the Current Autism Facts:

1 in 150 children is diagnosed with autism
Autism is the fastest-growing serious developmental disability in the U.S.
Autism costs the nation over $90 billion per year, a figure expected to double in the next decade
Boys are four times more likely than girls to have autism
There is no medical detection or cure for autism

Contact: Kirsten B. Hartley, Development Coordinator, 210-599-7766 or khartley@atcoftexas.org

Contact: Kirsten B. Hartley
Development Associate,
Autism Treatment Center
16111 Nacogdoches Road, San Antonio, Texas 75243
Office: 210-599-7766
Fax: 210-599-3105

What: Autism Treatment Center Announces Autism Initiative for San Antonio
When: Monday, April 21, 2008
Why: Expanding to meet the growing need for autism services in the San Antonio area
How: Visit www.atcoftexas.org or call 210-599-7766

For Immediate Release

Autism Treatment Center Announces Autism Initiative for San Antonio

Monday, April 21, 2008 the Autism Treatment Center (ATC) is excited to announce its Autism Initiative for San Antonio. The Initiative will focus on expanding ATC’s facilities and services to meet the ever-growing need for Autism services in San Antonio, and will work toward creating a more thorough awareness of autism in the San Antonio community.

Coinciding with their participation in the Texas Cavaliers’ River Parade and because April is National Autism Awareness Month, ATC will be kicking off their Capital Campaign at their Announcement Celebration breakfast on Tuesday, April 22, 2008. The funds raised from the Capital Campaign will go toward the funding of their new facility that will break ground in 2008, and will provide a venue for comprehensive diagnosis, assessment and treatment of children with autism. Because early detection and early intervention of autism are crucial to solving this problem, ATC has decided to begin construction on Phase I of their new facility, the Autism Treatment Center Rehabilitation Agency, first. The new Rehabilitation Agency will offer outpatient services, as well as tripling the amount of services it currently offers. It will also incorporate the latest technologies offered for the treatment of autism and will be made out of materials that are environmentally sensitive to the needs of individuals with autism.

Autism Treatment Center looks forward to providing a forum for all service providers in San Antonio to come together and work towards providing the community with not only more services, but better awareness of this growing disorder. ATC currently is collaborating with University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio on research, and is contracted with Clinical Behavioral Analysis, LLC for speech and occupational therapy. ATC also works with school districts, universities, and medical professionals in support of external efforts to meet the needs of individuals with autism. Currently, ATC is partnering or collaborating with several universities, across the state, to facilitate research efforts and to provide training and observation time for students studying autism spectrum disorder.

In addition, the Current Autism Facts:

1 in 150 children is diagnosed with autism
Autism is the fastest-growing serious developmental disability in the U.S.
Autism costs the nation over $90 billion per year, a figure expected to double in the next decade
Boys are four times more likely than girls to have autism
There is no medical detection or cure for autism

Contact: Kirsten B. Hartley, Development Coordinator, 210-599-7766 or khartley@atcoftexas.org

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