Autism is a condition covering a wide range of neurobiological, social and behavioral symptoms. Autistic children are known in their mildest form by their inability to recognize social cues and behaviors to the more severe situations in which a child is completely isolated in their own world, often with repetitive behaviors (such as rocking back and forth) and unable to speak or communicate. While the condition itself affects only the child, the entire family is often devastated, leading in some to above average divorce rates, bankruptcies, and other major socioeconomic challenges.

Currently, there is no known one cause for autism, though certainly genetic and environmental factors play a large role in all cases, and therefore it has been difficult prescribing one solution to all families. Biomedical therapies are gaining popularity as the original founder of that movement, Bernard Rimland, was the one to overturn the long held assumption that autism was caused by uncaring mothers entering the workforce. Also, social and behavioral therapies have both seen successes depending on the make-up of the child. Full recoveries for severe children are becoming less rare with earlier detention and treatment, though not all children either can or wish to change their conditions.

What we do:

The Tommy Foundation treats autism as a condition that affects the whole family unit, not just the child. Therefore, our efforts go towards facilitating parental choice in terms of therapies and solutions. This gives parents control over their children’s future if they desire, allowing for happier families. We also treat the parents of autistic children as their most knowledgeable advocates, welcome participants, and also offer help to strengthen their marriages and families if they desire.

For the children, we offer multiple solutions and can connect them to the proper resources. If the parents should choose to use a home-based therapy as is their option as parents, we help them find volunteers for their program. We also advocate for economically disadvantaged families by offering scholarships for treatments and programs they could not otherwise afford, as many insurance plans do not cover autism services.

Where money goes:

Money from the Spin a Thon will go towards these projects:

1. Provide training to child facilitators and parents, those working with children on a 1:1 basis. We have special educators ready to come and train and we are simply waiting on funding.

2. Provide scholarships for medical and therapeutic services for families. We start accepting applications in April as part of Autism Awareness month.

3. Support information outreaches at places like Market and other local establishments. Greater early intervention for socio-economically disadvantaged and minority families are the main thrust of the program.

4. Reach out to religious organizations throughout the state to locate and provide autism friendly worship. Continue to update our web based directory.

5. Assist marriages by offering access to specially trained therapeutic counselors for anniversaries and other special occasions. New safety programs are set for the winter and spring.

6. Provide a basic development infrastructure to maintain long term programs for the community.

7. Continue to raise awareness throughout higher education communities and the next generation of educational and medical leadership in the nation, including having the annual Edge of Autism Festival in April.

The Tommy Foundation is an all volunteer organization and none of its members currently receives a stipend or salary. In April, they hold the largest Autism Festival in the County. This year’s event will be April 19th on Hartman Green at Franklin and Marshall College. A fundraising walk will begin at noon and go until 2pm, and then the festival following the finish line at the walk wherein members of the general and autistic community are invited out to rides, games, food, auctions, and a host of other carnival happenings. The event is free to the community.