Sanibel, FL (August 17, 2009) – The Autism Fund Inc. today announced the launch of its brand new website – www.theautismfund.org The Autism Fund raises money to assist families in Lee and Collier Counties who have children age 5 and under who have symptoms within the Autism Spectrum and who are unable to afford behavioral therapy.
The Autism Fund, a tax-exempt public charity, was founded in Southwest Florida in 2008. It is managed by Patrick O’Sullivan and run by a Board of Directors well versed in Autism issues and experience in education and charitable fund raising. The Board includes Virginia Fleming, President, Dr. Marcia Greene, Vice-President, Anne Haslem, Secretary, and Eileen Roulston, Treasurer. There are also two at-large members, Dr. Monica Sylvia and Dr. Stephen Brown. The Manager and all Board members, with the exception of one, live and work in Lee or Collier County.
The reasons for the website are twofold. The first is to raise awareness about Autism in Southwest Florida and to let people know how they can donate to a very worthy cause; the treatment of Autistic children. The second is to make parents and caregivers aware of The Fund and how to apply for grants.
Within Lee and Collier counties, there are hundreds of children age five and younger, whose families cannot afford vital behavioral treatment. All evidence points to significant improvements in children on the Autism Spectrum if they receive behavioral therapy as early as possible. The U.S. Surgeon General recommends behavioral therapy to “increase the ability of the child with Autism to acquire language and the ability to learn”.
There is even evidence suggesting that a small number of children diagnosed with Autism can actually recover. In May 2009, Dr. Deborah Fien of the University of Connecticut reported that a study suggested 10-20% of children diagnosed with Autism recovered when treated with Applied Behavior Analysis, which is a form of behavioral therapy.
“We are delighted to be able to launch this website”, said Patrick O’Sullivan, Manager of The Autism Fund. “It will aid us tremendously in raising awareness about Autism Spectrum Disorders and The Autism Fund. We hope that it will translate into donations to help some of the neediest of the needy”.
The website was designed and built by Brian Joseph Studios, a leading, and internationally recognized, creative marketing firm which provides high-end web design, branding and social media solutions to clients worldwide, and the content was developed by Hillgate Communications, a leading marketing and communications agency. Both companies are based in Southwest Florida and have undertaken this task on a pro bono basis.
