Did you know that one in 80 Katy ISD students has autism?  It's a scary number indeed, and that doesn't include children in our community who are home-schooled, private-schooled, or not yet identified.  About a year ago, a local group of moms concerned for families who had too few resources came together to form Katy Autism Support group.  Our goal is to provide information and support to parents and other caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorders.  In a short time, our Yahoo online community has grown to over 150 members, and includes parents, educators, school administrators and health care professionals. 

Our group meets the third Tuesday of each month at St. Peter's United Methodist Church.  We bring in speakers on a wide variety of topics related to autism.  Last Christmas, we had a party where some children enjoyed their first visit ever with Santa Claus. 

We are delighted to announce that Mayor Don Elder of Katy plans to proclaim Saturday, April 4 as Katy Autism Awareness Day.  Activities will include live entertainment by the Lost Dogz, a band made of up youth with and without autism, and adult band Lost in Tyme.  Food from Vida Loca, snacks and fun activities for the kids are also planned.  In addition, there will be a resource fair including exhibitors representing many fields who serve children with autism.

We sincerely hope you will consider supporting us any way that you can:

·       First, please forward this email to your friends, family and co-workers in the Katy area to help us spread the word about our event. 

·       Second, we hope you can join us on April 4, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the VFW in downtown Katy for fun, food and education.  You may also wish to attend the proclamation, scheduled for March 23, 6:30 p.m. at City Hall.

·       Third, please consider making a donation to our group.  We will have a puzzle piece in your name for every donation.  Any amount will help!

We have big plans to help our families in the coming year.  One effort is a faith and disability initiative to help train faith communities on how to better include people of all disabilities, not just autism.  Our commitment is to help families as much as possible and stretch our resources as far as possible, because the needs are so great.  Mostly, we operate on the "sweat equity" of a few committed volunteers.

If you are interested in joining our Yahoo Group, go to http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/KatyAutismSupport/

or go to Yahoo Groups and search for Katy Autism Support.  It's easy to join!

Donations made out to Katy Autism Support can be sent to:

Katy Autism Support

c/o Karen Jaggers

21319 Park Orchard

Katy, TX 77450