This month, the CDC released updated research documenting the number of children in America impacted by autism. Today, 1 in 36 children is diagnosed with autism. 

The continuing rise in autism prevalence means that the work we do at Connections is even more essential. Our society must have more services in place so that these children can get the best services as soon as possible. Research has proven time and again that early intervention is the most successful. We know that there’s a growing number of children who need access to these services.

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Student Spotlight: From Isolation and Disinterest to Hugs and Smiles

Luna is a kind yet once-detached girl who was diagnosed with autism shortly after her second birthday. “She had no interest in people and would not respond to her name,” explains Luna’s mom Donna Fletcher. “She didn’t want to play with siblings. There was no hugging. She was in her own world.”

Her family struggled with daily life due to the symptoms of autism. Luna refused shoes, so her family couldn’t take her to stores or for a walk. And she struggled with being anywhere unfamiliar, further limiting where the family could go. “It was impossible to go to the grocery store with Luna,” says Donna. “She would physically refuse to sit in the cart and wasn’t able to stay calm in a busy store.”

“Connections has made an insanely huge difference for Luna,” says her mom Donna Fletcher. “We’ve seen an amazing amount of progress in the last year and even in the last few months.”

Connections Students Move Closer to Jobs in the Culinary Field!

We are so excited that several of our students and adult clients are part of the first graduating class at Recipes for Success by Extraordinary Charities!

About seven weeks ago, a group of our students began this amazing program that offers culinary training with accommodations. Our students and clients learned so much and have now earned their Serve Safe Certification, which can open the door to paying jobs in the culinary field! They officially graduated recently and celebrated the milestone with family and teachers. They even made and served a delicious meal for the celebration!

We are so very grateful and proud of this talented group! And we're grateful to Extraordinary Charities for developing such an impactful program and letting our students be part of the very first class!

Enjoy more photos on our Facebook page.

Connections Students Spend a Day Learning How to Grow Food Thanks to the PGA Community Outreach Volunteers

With help from our friends at the PGA Community Outreach Committee, students learned about gardening this month while planting lots of goodies in our beautiful garden! Students will have the chance to tend the garden as the plants grow, and they'll harvest and eat the fruits, vegetables, and herbs!

This engaging, hands-on learning teaches students more about where food comes from and motivates them to try some healthy fruits and vegetables that may be new to them.

Thank you to volunteers from the PGA Community Outreach Committee for making this amazing project possible! We appreciate your kindness and generosity!

Enjoy more photos on our Facebook page.

Help Us Raise Awareness During Autism Acceptance Month 2023

As the prevalence of autism reaches unprecedented levels, it’s never been more important to raise awareness about the unique needs of those impacted by autism and help ensure that essential services are available. During April 2023, which is Autism Acceptance Month, Connections is focusing on water safety because drowning is the number one cause of death for children with autism.

Watch our Facebook and Instagram accounts for more details about our unique aquatics program and ways you can help others better understand the needs for specialized swim lessons for those with autism.