Autism awareness pays off for Lafayette

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Peggy Grill of Mayo speaks about autism. -Photo: Joyce Marie Taylor

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October 18, 2012

Autism awareness pays off for Lafayette

Joyce Marie Taylor Suwannee Democrat The Suwannee Democrat Thu Oct 18, 2012, 11:00 AM EDT

Mayo — Peggy Grill of Mayo has been working hard to raise awareness about the need for more concerted efforts to help autistic children in Lafayette County and was recently delighted to hear that the Lafayette County School District will be working with the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD) through the University of Florida to enhance services for students with autism spectrum disorders.

On Thursday, Oct. 11, Gregory C. Valcante, Ph.D of CARD UF met with Debbie Land, Exceptional Student Education (ESE) Director and several other district staff at the Lafayette School Board office to discuss what CARD UF can do to assist autistic children in the county.

Grill was responsible for instituting the 1st Annual Suwannee River Paddle for Autism event held last April and she is looking forward to the 2nd annual paddle for autism, which will be held Sat. April 27, 2013. All proceeds from donations are given to CARD UF to be used for autism services in Lafayette County.

Grill’s 11-year-old nephew, Zachary George, suffers from the disorder and she said if you ever have the opportunity to spend just one day with an autistic child, then please don’t pass it up because they are wonderful children.

“They need our support,” she said. “Autism now affects 1 in 88 children and 1 in 54 boys.”

Grill said research is still ongoing as to why the disease affects boys more than girls.

Some common characteristics autistic children display are lack of communication skills, including slow speech development and failure to form social bonds. Also, odd and sometimes intense reactions to environmental stimuli, throwing tantrums, a preference to be left alone rather than play with other children, and repetitive routines and behaviors.

It takes a special teacher with additional training to educate and manage an autistic child in the classroom; one who understands the disorder and is trained on how to handle their unique characteristics and behavior, which is why Grill has been raising funds to help Lafayette County schools do a better job with autistic students.

CARD UF’s purpose is to enhance the lives of individuals they serve by helping them become valued members of their communities and offering support within the home, the school, daycare programs and communities.

CARD UF also offers referral services to federal, state and local agencies, helps families find support groups, and provides training and consultation to caregivers and teachers.

To date, Grill said she has designated $3,100 from fundraising donations to CARD that is to be used only for Lafayette County autistic children.

More information about CARD UF can be found online at www.card.ufl.edu or by calling 352-273-0581.

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