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What's New
Heart of Texas Autism Network
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| Updated 4/24/13 " Refresh" for latest information |
| The Mission of the Heart of Texas Autism Network is to empower individuals, families and communities touched by ASD to inspire a higher quality of life . There is no charge for membership and no dues. Monthly meetings with speakers usually include free childcare for children with ASD and their siblings, with a reservation. Other activities and inclusion, independence and participation in the community for all people affected by ASD. For more information on child care, speakers, topics, meeting date, time and location, please visit our meetings page. HOTAN is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and donations are tax deductible. For a free HOTAN brochure PDF file click here. HOTAN is seeking volunteers for fundraisers, programs, community relations, volunteer coordination, and communications (website, newsletters and publicity). Creativity and enthusiasm is needed! To volunteer, please Contact Us on this website or email hotanwaco@gmail.com . ============== TAKE ME HOME Program The Take Me Home program is a free registry available to McLennan County residents, for adults and children who may have difficulty communicating due to a developmental or cognitive disability. This could be crucial when a person is unable to speak or identify themselves properly, if they seem disoriented or are acting in an unusual manner. Registration forms are available on the McLennan County Sherif's website (click here). ================ APPS -- and Funding -- for Autism and Special Needs Families with special needs children may find grants and funding available to help them afford medical treatments, therapies, assistive technologies (INCLUDING iPADS) etc. Click here for a list of resources for funding/grant assistance, as well as a list of apps for mobile technology devices, for autism and special needs. ASD Childcare A number of the staff members who worked at the Arc of McLennan County Summer Day Camp for Children with Disabilities are available for childcare . For a list of names with contact information, go to the CONTACT US page. HOTAN seeks people who speak Spanish to help the parents of ASD persons whose primary language is Spanish. Contact HOTAN through our Contact Us page. |
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| Check out our LINKS for resources and more information! |
Heart of Texas Autism Network Activities: Let's Get Growing ... Click here for a flyer Master Gardener Lynn DeMuynck is leading children/youth in green adventures! Students learn about Nature and the growing process, have "hands-on" activities, and take materials home to continue their experiences with living plants. The Heart of Texas Autism Network also participates with Waco's "We Care" Community Garden. We take care of two of the Garden's planting spaces, and contribute the harvest to Caritas. The next Gardening Adventure will meet on Sunday, April 28th at 3 pm! For more information email hotanwaco@gmail.com or leave a message on the "Contact Us" page of this website. SUPPER CLUBS Groups of children/youth with autism meet monthly to socialize and have fun! "TEEN PLUS" Supper Club Every fourth Tuesday! The group is for Teens (13+) and Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder The next Teen Plus Supper Club meets Tuesday May 28th, at 6 pm Contact 214-766-3260 or hotanwaco@gmail.com for more information. FIRST MONDAY Supper Club at Chili's meets at Chili's on 5804 Bosque Blvd. Kids/youth sit together with volunteers and adult caregivers sit in another part of the restaurant. Contact 214-766-3260 or hotanwaco@gmail.com for more information. ART CLASSES! Betty Vela, owner of B's Art School (254-644-1323, 504 Hewitt Drive, in Hewitt), is partnering with the Heart of Texas Autism Network and organizing a weekly art class for children with autism. Cost is only $10 per class, which includes all art materials! For more information leave a message on the "Contact Us" page of this website. ============================================== |
| Special Needs Resources in the Heart of Central Texas IMPORTANT SURVEY!! Does your area have anyone offering equine (horse) therapy? Swimming for special needs? Music classes? medical specialist for your special-needs family member where you live? This online survey (https://www.surveymonkey.co m/s/SpecialNeedsResources) will help identify resource needs throughout the Heart of Central Texas area, and highlight opportunities for growth. For other news about research, studies and surveys, go to the Conferences and Studies page on this website. ========================= |
Heart of Texas Autism Network P.O. Box 2484 Waco, TX 76703 |
| Check out the Activities and Meetings page for more information! |
April is AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH but for those living with autism, "Awareness" is 24/7, 365 days a year data published by the CDC show a continuing upward trend in the prevalence of autism spectrum disorders. In 2007, based on 2002 data, CDC reported that 1 in 150 children had an ASD. In 2009, based on 2006 data, CDC reported that 1 in 110 children had an ASD. In 2012, based on 2008 data ...CDC reported that 1 in 88 children had an ASD. The estimated prevalence of ASDs increased 78% during 2002 to 2008. The latest figures released by the CDC indicate 1 in 50 school-age children has an autism spectrum diagnosis. Join us! Together, we can make a difference! ========================================= |
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| Click here for the latest issue of "News to Use and Share" and get information on fun activities, programs, meetings, news and information! CLICK HERE FOR ARCHIVED ISSUES CLICK HERE to subscribe |
| We are in the process of revising and refreshing our information and website. Go to the "CONTACT US" page, we welcome your suggestions! ================================================================== |
| 2013 WACO WALK FOR AUTISM Baylor University's Fountain Mall THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO CAME! Click here to see photos and more! ============================================== |
NEXT MEETING MONDAY, May 13th 6:30 - 8:00 pm HEART OF TEXAS AUTISM NETWORK 801 Washington Ave (corner of 8th & Washington, downtown Waco) 9th Floor DIRECTIONS FOR PARKING AND GETTING TO THE MEETING: CLICK HERE! We invite you to attend our next monthly meeting! We will be discussing current and future activities as well as networking and trading information and resources. Refreshments will be served (feel free to bring a treat to share) Come Join Us! Email hotanwaco@gmail.com ================================================== |
| Click Here for a Calendar of events, meetings and activities; submit your events at the "Contact Us" tab on this website |
| Click Here for a Calendar of events, meetings and activities; submit your events at the "Contact Us" tab |
APRIL is Autism Awareness Month ... Tuesday, April 2 was World Autism Awareness Day Tuesday April 2, Waco Mayor Malcolm Duncan and the City Council proclaimed the month of April as Autism Awareness Month for Waco Texas. Click here to see the proclamation! Throughout the month of April, Fuddruckers in Waco, Temple and Killeen are supporting Autism Awareness! Come to Fuddruckers and "buy" an Autism Awareness Puzzle Piece note to benefit the Network! Thank You Fuddruckers for your community spirit and support! |
Make a difference in our community! The Heart of Texas Autism Network is actively seeking applicants for the positions of President and Secretary. If you are interested, please send your resume and cover letter to PO Box 2484, Waco Texas 76703. |