April is Autism Awareness Month

Fraser: Minnesota's leading provider of autism services shares events that
raise awareness and provide information about autism.

MINNEAPOLIS, March 24 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Autism is the fastest-growing
developmental disability in the U.S., affecting 1 in 150 children. Every 20
minutes, a child is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. Autism is more
common than juvenile diabetes, childhood cancer and AIDS combined. It is one
of our community's most urgent needs. With these powerful statistics as
motivation, Fraser is working to raise awareness in the community. Fraser is
the longest-running, largest provider of autism services in Minnesota. Fraser
provides extensive diagnosis, treatment and support services for children and
adults with autism spectrum disorders and their families. Fraser experts are
sharing their knowledge at numerous events and conferences in the community.

-- World Autism Day on April 2. People worldwide will be using this day
to
bring awareness to autism as a growing global health crisis. To
schedule
an interview with a Fraser autism expert, please contact Mary
Trierweiler.
-- Inside the Child: Social and Emotional Development Conference on
Monday,
April 13, at Ramada Mall of America. Fraser is hosting an interactive
training from 6:30-8:30 p.m. that will give participants a chance to
look at a child's behavior from the "inside-out."
Participants will examine children's temperament and development in
relation to behavior. The cost to attend is $35 and includes a copy of
Children and Challenging Behaviors. Registration information can be
found at www.fraser.org/seminars.
-- Fraser Anoka Open House on Thursday, April 16, at Fraser Anoka. Fraser
is hosting an open house for current client families and the public
from
3-6 p.m. The open house will feature an overview of services and care,
interactive skills training demonstrations, visual displays, food and
prizes. All are invited to visit to learn more about our programs,
including skills training, therapies, and child and family mental
health
services. This event is free and more information can be found at
www.fraser.org/calendar.
-- Second Annual Fraser Walk for Autism sponsored by GMAC Financial
Services on Saturday, April 18, at Mall of America. Registration opens
at 7 a.m. and the walk goes until 10 a.m. Join the fun by forming a
team
and walking to raise funds for local autism services. All the money
raised goes to support local families served by Fraser. The walk
includes children's games and prizes, live music and performances,
therapy animals, mascots and local celebrities. This event is free and
more information can be found at www.fraser.org/calendar.
-- Overview of Autism Spectrum Disorders and Basic Inclusion Strategies
conference on Thursday, May 14, at Ramada Mall of America. This
conference will run from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Experts will provide an
overview
of autism and the other disorders that fall on the spectrum. There
will
be discussion about the difference between autism and Asperger's
Disorder. Basic inclusion strategies will also be discussed. The cost
to
attend is $25 and registration information can be found at
www.fraser.org/seminars.
-- Changing the Look of Autism conference on Thursday and Friday, June
18-19, at Ramada Inn Mall of America. Fraser will share its expertise
at
a two-day autism conference for professionals and parents of early
childhood and school-age children with autism spectrum disorders.
Sessions will include education techniques, assessment information,
intervention strategies and much more. Educators (regular and special
education), mental health practitioners, direct service providers,
directors and administrators, and parents of children with autism
spectrum disorders are invited to attend. The cost to attend is $190
and
registration information can be found at www.fraser.org/seminars.

Fraser is a Minnesota nonprofit with a nationally renowned reputation, serving
children and adults with special needs. This multi-faceted human service
organization provides direct services, information and support in the areas of
education, housing and healthcare. Fraser serves children with developmental
disabilities; children who are at risk for abuse and neglect; children with
autism and severe emotional and behavioral disorders; and adults with
developmental disabilities. Fraser is Minnesota's longest-running, largest
provider of autism services. For more information, call 612-798-8340 or visit
www.fraser.org.

SOURCE Fraser

Mary Trierweiler of Fraser, +1-612-798-8349, Maryt@fraser.org