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AZTAC is committed to Autism Awareness and the journey to meet the needs of individuals with ASD.  Our primary goal is to help individuals, support groups, and agencies obtain the funding they need to provide quality services. 

The frightening fact is that the U.S. Department of Health CDC released data in 2007 that 1 in 150 eight-year-olds in multiple areas of the country have some form of ASD.  Pennsylvania was one of the 16 states in Phase 1 (1999-2006) of this study, and remains one of eleven states in Phase 2 (2006-2010).  The goal of the ADDM (Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring) Network is to provide comparable, population-based estimates of the prevalence rates of autism and related disorders in different sites over time.  The PADDSP (Pennsylvania Autism and Developmental Disabilities Surveillance Program), is part of the ADDM. 

What is Autism, Autistic Disorder, ASD, and PDD? 

Although Autism is getting much attention these days, there is still a long way to go to relieve the many burdens for individuals and families who are trying to make an everyday life for their loved ones.  They pay out of pocket for many expenses and cannot obtain the professional and respite help that they need.  While facing these struggles, marriages and family units suffer due to the stress, financial strain, and time-consuming efforts.

AZTAC is currently involved with Special Needs Advocacy and Parent Support Group (SNAPS) in the Harrisburg area.   While SNAPS' target outreach is the very large Central Dauphin School District,  anyone is welcome to attend the meetings.  The support group has recently received approval for a grant from the Bureau of Autism, Department of Public Welfare for the purpose of setting up a website and to continue monthly meetings of the group.   Once the website is developed, a link will be available here.  For more information on SNAPS, click here.  (AZTAC is also happy to provide links to any other parent support groups.  Simply contact us via email.)   

AZTAC is available to provide assistance to agencies or other groups serving those with ASD.  Our goal is to help you navigate the system and get you what you need.  Currently, the Bureau of Autism Services is accepting proposals for ASERT regional centers.  The deadline for submission is March 28, 2008.  Also, the Bureau of Autism Services is accepting applications from individuals for $500 mini-grants.  The deadline for submission is April 18, but the approvals will be first-come, first-serve, so submitting as soon as possible is critical.  Contact AZTAC for assistance on the preparation of either of these submissions ASAP.

Watch for new information and other opportunities in the future. 

Click here for important dates!

Check back often for updates, as we will try to keep you up to date on what is happening.  See below for some of the topics we are following right now.  Call anytime.

 

  • DPW/BAS Autism Training Conference, May 28-30, 2008, Lancaster, PA.  Family members and professionals interested in ASD should attend the conference.  Click here.

 

  • Community Connection Tour, beginning March 10, 2008.  These two-hour sessions are recommended for everyone!  Click here.

  • NEW!!!!! $500 Mini-Grants Available. Deadline is April 18, 2008.  Submit asap.  Contact AZTAC if you need assistance.  AZTAC provides a limited amount of service to individuals/families at no charge. 
    Click here for more information about this grant.

  • Mark your calendar now for the Penn State National Autism Conference to be held in State College PA.  Registrations may be submitted after April 30, 2008.  Pennsylvania family members may register for $25.   Click here for more information.
  • House Bill 1150 passed the House in December, 2007.  In January, 2008 the Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council has decided to conduct a full review of the legislation by convening a panel of experts.  Watch for further updates on this legisltation.

  • A Request for Proposals for Autism Service, Education, Research and Training (ASERT) Regional Centers has been announced by the Bureau of Autism Serices.  The deadline for submission is April 7, 2008 (was March 28) , and awards are expected to be issued June 1, 2008 to be effective immediately, for a term of two years.  AZTAC has received the complete RFP document, the follow-up Q and A, and updated information which was issued on March 14.   Click here for more information , contact the BAS, or contact AZTAC.

  • Register for webcast on April 16, 2008  Autism Interventions
  • Register for teleconference on April 30, 2008  Asperger's Syndrome 
  • FY 2007-2008 Support Group Grant applications were due February 8, 2008.  If the Bureau of Autism provides the list of grantees, expected at the end of February, we will make them available here.  As of March 5, 2008, applicants are awaiting responses and the BAS has indicated that responses were forthcoming very shortly.

More information may also be found at the Bureau of Autism Services, Office of Developmental Programs, Department of Public Welfare.