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Family Initiative to offer free autism screenings for toddlers Saturday
Free Autism Spectrum Disorder screenings by appointment for 1 to 3-year-old children are being provided by the Family Initiative Autism Support Center, 734 S.W. 4th St., Cape Coral. The screenings are Saturday, Oct. 16, 9 a.m.to noon; free ASD screenings are held on the third Saturday of each month.
An estimated 1 in 54 children is diagnosed with a form of ASD, making it more common than childhood cancer, juvenile diabetes, and pediatric AIDS combined. In the early years of life, there are milestones children should reach in terms of how they play, learn, speak and act. A delay in any of these areas could be a sign of a developmental issue, event autism.
Screenings are conducted by Family Initiative and administered by Masters Level Clinicians with extensive training and experience in typical child development and developmental disorders.
To schedule a screening, call 239-910-0712 or email info@fi-florida.org. Physician referral is not required. Screening does not provide a diagnosis.
Established in 2015, Family Initiative Inc. is a Southwest Florida-based 501(c)3 nonprofit charitable organization dedicated to supporting children with autism and strengthening their families. Its team of clinicians serves children from a humanistic approach through Applied Behavior Analysis and Occupational Therapy services, and also offers autism play groups, teen meetings, parent education and more. In addition, the organization provides child welfare caregiver training and support through its Family Impact Program.
My Autism Connection celebrates new location
My Autism Connection, a non-profit organization, serves autistic adults ages 18-50 and connects them to their communities through social and experiential learning to build healthy relationships and transition towards independence for work and life. As services for autistic individuals fade upon adulthood, MAC's program fills the need for support in the areas of social engagement, skill building, and career development.
MAC has announced the grand opening of its new location at 7181 College Parkway, Suite 22, in Fort Myers. To celebrate, MAC hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony and reception Thursday, Oct. 7. The public is welcome to attend to learn more about MAC and connect with the community over refreshments.
The non-profit organization is funded by donations and relies on the support of the community. My Autism Connection partners with local businesses to provide education to the community and career exploration opportunities for autistic individuals.
Founded in 2011, My Autism Connection hopes to continue to grow and expand to create a world where autistic adults are equipped and empowered to build meaningful relationships, find fulfilling work, and live their best lives. For more information or to donate, visit www.myautismconnection.net.
Chronic pain self-management workshops
Would you like to learn how to better manage chronic pain conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, back pain, headaches and more?
Lee Health Solutions, a department of Lee Health, has announced a free six-week workshop, entitled "Chronic Pain Self-Management" - a research-based program originally developed by Stanford University.
Information presented in the virtual workshop can help people become empowered to improve their quality of life. Learn how to more easily manage medications; understand the benefits of exercise; manage symptoms of stress, pain and fatigue; and make smarter decisions related to health eating. Participants will also receive a copy of the book "Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Pain".
The virtual sessions will be held on Wednesdays beginning Oct. 27 from 9:30-11:30 a.m. and Fridays beginning Oct. 29 from 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Please call 239-424-3121 for more information.
Valerie's House resumes in-person group meetings, new support groups added in schools
Valerie's House, the non-profit organization that helps children grieve the loss of a loved one, has resumed in-person group therapy sessions after a six-week hiatus due to the spike in COVID-19 cases.
About 400 children and family members participate in the group therapy sessions at the three Valerie's House locations in Fort Myers, Naples and Punta Gorda. Sessions are held Monday through Thursday evenings.
In addition, Valerie's House is now providing grief support groups for students, teachers and staff at several Lee County schools that requested the help. Counselors are conducting grief support groups at several schools, most recently adding Cypress Lake High School, Franklin Park Elementary School and Harns Marsh Middle School in Lee County; Immokalee Middle School in Collier County; and Myakka Elementary in Punta Gorda.
Valerie's House offers support groups and other activities at a home on 1762 Fowler St., in Fort Myers. and a home in Naples at 819 Myrtle Terrace. Valerie’s House also holds group meetings at First United Methodist Church in Punta Gorda. Valerie’s House is a United Way partner agency and is fully supported by community donations. More information can be found at www.valerieshouse.org.