From the April 2008 USAAA Newsletter:

US Autism and Asperger Association is the presenting sponsor for the 2008 TACA (Talk About Curing Autism) Annual Family Picnic and Fundraiser. More than 2,000 Southern California families who have children with autism will attend this extremely popular family event Sunday, June 1, 2008 at Camp James/Hidden Valley Park in Irvine, California.

“We are very proud to be associated with such a wonderful event that provides a safe and fun picnic for children affected with autism,” said Lawrence P. Kaplan, PhD, Chairman and CEO of USAAA. “It is the primary fundraiser to help TACA continue to provide important services for autism families which include the Parent Mentor Program.”

We are very proud to be associated with such a wonderful event that provides a safe and fun picnic for children affected with autism USAAA’s mission is to enhance the quality of life of individuals and their families and caregivers touched by autism spectrum disorders by providing educational and family support. “This event is another means where we are able to carry out our mission,” said Dr. Kaplan.

USAAA has strongly supported the TACA mentoring moms program. TACA mentoring moms were available to parents during the 2007 USAAA International Autism and Asperger Conference to help ease the frustration, navigate the confusing “system” and help jump start the family with action for their child affected by autism. Mentors are fellow, volunteer parents with a wealth of knowledge, many with a recovered child or with a child well on the road to recovery. The mentors guided hundreds of families during the conference.

TACA Spokesperson Jenny McCarthy is scheduled to attend.  “TACA has been administering many effective programs for parents including a Families In Crisis Program and Adopt a Family Holiday Campaign, which are absolutely essential for the autism community,” said Dr. Kaplan.

TACA holds monthly meetings in many locations throughout the United States that feature educational speakers on important topics and allow family members to connect with one another and stay on top of the latest information in the autism world. Each TACA group maintains a resource library of the latest autism books and tapes that can be checked out by members at no charge.

This year’s picnic will include Carnival Rides: Classic Carousel, Kids Swing Chairs, LadyBug Ride and Roc-O-Plane. Also enjoy the Bounce House, Bubble Machines, Jungle-Rama, Mist Machine, Miniature Golf, Sidewinder Rock Wall, a Balloon Artist, Traditional Picnic Games: Softball, Volleyball, Horseshoes, Basketball, Soccer, Ping Pong, Pool Table, and Football.

TACA Spokesperson Jenny McCarthy is scheduled to attend and will be available to sign her book, “Louder than Words”. Join USAAA and TACA June 1st in Irvine, California and help support families with children affected by autism.