Come support the Learning Tree, Inc. for their first annual WheeliN and DealiN Motorcycle and Bike Run to benefit children with developmental disabilities.  The run will be held  on  Saturday November 5th.  Details are available in the flyer below.

At the City Council Meeting on April the 12th,  the city of Anniston issued a proclamation declaring April as Autism Awareness Month in the city.   The text of the proclamation is copied  below:

WHEREAS, Autism is a lifelong neurological disorder with current statistics bringing it to one in one hundred ten children being diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder; and
WHEREAS, Autism affects each individual in different ways, and can range from very mild to severe, knows no racial, ethnic, or social boundaries and affects young and old alike in the City of Anniston; and
WHEREAS, our understanding of Autism has grown tremendously since it was first diagnosed, there is no know cure for Autism.  Accurate, early diagnosis and the resulting appropriate education and intervention are vital to the future growth and development of the individual; and
WHEREAS, hope lies in a broad spectrum of treatments, and in an informed public and community committed to providing support and services to individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders; and
WHEREAS, the Autism Society of Alabama remains committed to their mission and to educating families, professionals, and the general public to better understand this lifelong disorder; and
WHEREAS, we join with the Autism Society of Alabama in proclaiming April 2011, as Autism Awareness Month.
NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Anniston joins with the Autism Society of Alabama in proclaiming April as "Autism Awareness Month" in the City of Anniston, Alabama.
Dated this 12th day of April, 2011
Signed by Mayor Gene D. Robinson, Council Member John D.R. Spain, Council Member Herbert N. Palmore, Council Member Benjamin L. Little, and Council Member M. David Dawson

Anniston Star
by Laura Camper, Star Staff Writer
Although clouds hovered over Anniston Saturday morning, more than 150 people gathered at Zinn Park for the first Autism 3K Walk in Calhoun County.
(Click here to read entire article)

Each April, a team of cyclists and support persons hit the road for a 1,000 mile bike ride across the Southeast to raise funds for the Little Tree Preschools and Woody's Song, in addition to promoting awareness for children with developmental disabilities and their services for them. This year, eight riders, comprised of dedicated staff from four of their programs, will leave Jacksonville, AL on April 22 and wind its way southward across Alabama, then east across Florida; before turning back westward to Mobile, AL, arriving on May 1.
To read more about the Learning Tree's programs or make a donation, click here.

Please note - the February Autism Networking Group meeting has been canceled.  Check  back next week for information on March meeting.

Local families, educators, and resource providers.  Please join us January 8th at 2 pm at Little Tree Preschool.  Guest speakers will be Dr. Caroline Gomez (the State Autism Coordinator for Alabama) and Anna Bloom (Program Manager for the Autism Society of Alabama).  They will be discussing the 2011 goals and initiatives of the AIACC (Alabama Interagency Autism Coordinating Council) and the Autism Society of Alabama and will be available to answer questions.
RSVP is required by Dec. 31st.  To RSVP, send email by clicking the "Contact Us" Link.

Christmas Wreaths - Jacksonville Little Tree/Learning Tree is selling Christmas wreaths this year.  Cost of wreath is $20 ($32.00 if they need to ship them). Payment must be in their hands with information (mailing and delivery) by Nov. 9th. Wreaths will be back in time for Thanksgiving. If you are interested please send them an email.

Local families and professionals, come join us at the Jacksonville Community Center from 3-5 pm.  See attached flyer for more information.
Send RSVP for this event

Fox6 News (Birmingham)

Museum opens after-hours for Autism Awareness

By Jonathan Hardison

BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - The McWane Science Center kept its doors open late tonight for a special event as part of Autism Awareness month... (Click link for full story)