ATC is Growing!

by Anna Hundley, ATC Executive Director

In the early 1980s, when I started working at ATC, the incidence of autism was 1 in 10,000.  ATC was a small program serving 25 school age children in an educational and residential program.  Now, the incidence of autism is 1 in 50.

These days if you sit in the lobby of ATC in Dallas you will see 9 school buses from different schools dropping off and picking up students.  Young children of all ages come to ATC daily for ABA, speech, occupational, and physical therapies.  In addition, families frequently bring their children for diagnostic services.  After hours a group of 10-15 young men and women with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) come for leadership and self-advocacy classes.  There are also many college students with a passion for teaching students with autism interning at the Center.  Our residential program is expanding as well.  We are excited to announce that ATC is opening its 21st residential home on August 1st, 2013.

I just described what is happening at ATC Dallas, but the same services are provided in San Antonio, and our Fort Worth program has been open one year as of June 2013.  How did we accomplish all of this?  A great Board of Directors who understands autism, a long term professional staff, and tremendous community support!

For 25 years an event called Roundup for Autism has raised funds for special autism services at ATC.  The event founder, Bobby Norris, has given freely of his time, talent, and resources to ensure its success.  Over the years Roundup has raised more that $2.5 million to help support and grow the programs and services at ATC! This year's event will celebrate its 25th year and will take place on September 20-21, 2013.  Learn more about this amazing event at www.RoundupForAutism.org.  We hope you will join us!