Components for Caring

Facts about Autism & Related Disabilities Autism is a lifelong neurological disability that affects a person's ability to communicate, understand language, play, and interact with others. There are diagnoses closely related to autism such as Pervasive Developmental Disorder--;Not Otherwise Specified (PDD - NOS), Asperger's Syndrome, and Rett's Syndrome that are included in the category of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Every person with autism or a related disability is different. No two people with these disorders experience the world or behave in the same way. The impairment of social skills, communication skills, and cognitive skills can range from mild to severe. Scientists believe there are biological explanations for autism spectrum disorder, but no specific cause has been identified. There are no parenting styles that cause autism. Autism spectrum disorder occurs in about 15 out of every 10,000 births, and it's four times more likely to occur in boys than girls. Families of all cultural, social, and ethnic backgrounds are affected by autism. Coping with autism and related disabilities can be complex and frightening for families. At the CARD centers, we provide intervention and services, free of charge, that can help individuals with autism make progress and fulfill their potential to achieve a higher quality of life.

The Center for Autism & Related Disabilities at the University of South Florida (CARD-USF) is one of five regional, university-based CARD centers in Florida.

CARD-USF, led by executive director Glen Dunlap, Ph.D. and director Richard Schutz, Ph.D., provides program development, training and support for individuals, families, professionals, and peers of people with autism and related disabilities throughout eighteen counties in west, central, and southwest Florida.

CARD support and services are provided through the following components:

Direct Service is the main focus of CARD-USF. This component involves direct assistance for a person with autism or related disability and his or her family and is typically provided in natural community settings such as home, school, and work sites.

CARD-USF staff provide this assistance in a variety of ways including problem solving with families, developing behavior support plans, providing training and support to parents, and supplying families with referrals to additional service and support providers.

Technical Assistance & Consultation are activities undertaken on behalf of a program (e.g., a classroom, supported living, supported employment) that serves people with autism and related disabilities.

The foundation of effective technical assistance is based on developing collaborative relationships between families, service providers, and CARD-USF staff.

Professional Training focused on various aspects of autism and related disabilities is provided through workshops, conferences, in-service training, and college courses.

CARD-USF staff presentations have emphasized many topics including adult services, young children, deaf-blindness, behavioral support, communication, and curricula. Trainings have been conducted for school districts, adult service agencies, college and university courses, family groups, and others.

Public Education & Awareness focuses on developing and disseminating accurate information about people with autism and related disabilities.

A major goal involves accumulating a more actual count of the number of people who are eligible for CARD services.

Eligibility

Individuals of any age with autism, Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS), Asperger's Syndrome, Rett Syndrome, dual sensory impairment or sensory impairment with other disability conditions, their family members, friends, and professionals can receive CARD-USF's services.

CARD-USF Constituency Board
The USF Center for Autism and Related Disabilities engages in a variety of collaborative activities with families at many different levels. The CARD--;USF Constituency Board is one example of these collaborative activities. The Constituency Board is comprised entirely of parents of children with autism or a related disability. The primary purpose of the board is to provide input into the planning of staff activities and the development of center-related policies. The Constituency Board meets on a quarterly basis to review the progress of center activities and prepares an annual report of the center's accomplishments.

Members of the CARD-USF Constituency Board for 1996-1997 include:

Anne DiNapoli (President)

Richard Bashaw Paula Cohen

Donald Rowland Ann Reynolds

Chuck & Mary Ohm Shere Schiller

William & Dayna Nichols