Regional Center Funded Services: Are Kids with Autism Making Real Progress (and Real Friends, too?)

ASALA's Autism in LA: Today's Realities,Tomorrow's Challenges presents Regional Center Funded Services: Are Children with Autism Making Real Progress (and Real Friends, too)?, A Conversation and Collaboration with Community Leaders. Join leaders in the Los Angeles area autism community in a lively interactive and collaborative discussion of the current state of services for children and teens with autism and funding and political challenges in the future.

Who should attend?
Parent leaders, service providers, regional centers, school districts, schools and anyone who has an interest in improving the quality, provision and funding of services for children with autism.

Topics include:

Is the Promise of the Lanterman Act Dying?
Panel discussion to include: the history of the Lanterman Act and the Regional Centers; budget cutbacks and restrictions on services; the current structure of regional centers; making the system work better; and self-determination.

Are the Services Making a Difference for Children with Autism?
Panel discussion to include: setting long-term goals with behavioral therapy and social skills; collaboration, parent involvement and flexibility; Early Start programs; parent support and respite.

Does More Money Produce Better Outcomes?
Panel discussion: Does a child need more services or the right services; how can we work together to stretch limited funds; Money for research vs. money for services; have recent severe budget cuts worsened outcomes for children with autism?

Turning Isolation into Inclusion: Where Funding Falls Short
Each attendee will participate in two lunch workgroups:

1. Participating in Religious Institutions
2. Ensuring Physical Fitness and a Healthy Diet
3. Reaching out to Low-Income and Immigrant Families
4. Overcoming Barriers for Nonverbal Children
5. Benefitting from Music, Theater, Film, and Art
6. Supporting Parents and Siblings
7. Preparing for and Living through Puberty
8. Managing the Health Care System and Insurance
9. Preventing Abuse and Keeping Safe

Cost:  $50 per person including lunch

Seating is limited. RSVP early. Registration Deadline - September 15. Register online http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=ogdey8bab&oeidk=a07e4gt0j22e30f4ee2.

For more information contact Autism Society of Los Angeles at 562.804.5556 or asalamail@aol.com.

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Location

Vista Del Mar
3200 Motor Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90034