According to recent statistics, autism now affects one out of every 68 children, and is more than four times more likely to present in boys than in girls. A bio-neurological development disability, autism often appears in children before their third birthday, and it impacts the development of the brain responsible for social interaction, communications skills, and cognitive functions. Roughly 40 percent of children on the autism spectrum are non-verbal. While the causes of and treatments for autism is hotly and passionately debated, everyone, researchers, doctors, and parents, agree that early intervention is the key to successful treatment.
In 2009, The Emerald Coast Autism Center opened in Valparaiso providing cutting edge research-based education and therapy for five children. Today, ECAC works with 68 children and their families to provide year round private school and intensive therapy. With a motto of Reaching Kids, Supporting Families, ECAC utilizes Applied Behavior Analysis therapy for their students and provides an extensive support network for families. The goal of ECACs therapy is to help each child reach his or her potential by identifying, implementing, and evaluating the ways each student learns best. The primary goals of ABA therapy include increasing language skills, socialization, and functional behaviors. Students at ECAC experience highly individualized attention, often benefiting from a 1:1 ratio, and alternate between more traditional classroom activities and individual tutoring and therapy sessions.
As a result of the centers outstanding reputation and the areas increased demand for this type of service, the ECAC has outgrown its original home. Earlier this year, the organization, a 5013 charity, launched an ambitious $2.5 million fundraising campaign in order to build a state of the art center on the Northwest Florida State College Campus in Niceville. This 14,500 square foot facility would allow ECAC to provide services and therapy for more students and ensure that the center had enough room for consistent and sustainable growth.
Recently identified as the fastest growing development disorder among children, autism is also consistently rated as one of the most underfunded. Tiffany Edwards and Ashley Phillips, ECAC Capital Campaign co-chairs, threw their support behind the project immediately.
The growth of ECAC speaks to two important issues, the increasing demand and need for this type of service along the Emerald Coast, as well as innovation and commitment of providing top notch therapy and services by the ECAC staff, said Ashley.
As part of the fundraising campaign, The historic Destin harbor will host the inaugural Fleets and Eats event on Thursday, Nov. 13, to raise both awareness and funds for the new ECAC facility.
Designed to increase business on the harbor after the fishing rodeo, Fleets and Eats will give participants an opportunity to experience their favorite restaurants in a fun and creative way. Guests will begin the journey at Boshamps for heavy hors doeuvres and cocktails, and then be transported by boat to Harbor Docks and Dewey Destins for more food and signature libations. Youll end your night back at Boshamps, where the Donut Hole will serve dessert, and Boukoo Groove will provide some after party entertainment. You can purchase your ticket for shuttles leaving between 5 and 7:20 that evening.
All proceeds from Fleets and Eats will go directly to the ECAC capital campaign. If youre lucky enough to have healthy kids, chances are you know someone who needs the support provided by the ECAC, and Fleets and Eats is a perfect way to enjoy the harbor and help this great organization reach its goal. You can purchase tickets at ECACs website, http://www.ecsutismcenter.org.
Follow Susan Moody on Twitter @susanjmoody and visit her blog, The Emerald Coast Insider, at http://www.emeraldcoasttreasurebox.com.
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MOODY: Emerald Coast Autism Center strives to reach kids, support families