**Long Post**
WHAT CHANGED?
In 1980, autism was considered relatively rare, with early studies estimating roughly 4–5 cases per 10,000 children. By 2000, the CDC reported about 1 in 150 children identified with autism. Today, that number is approximately 1 in 31 among 8-year-olds in the CDC's 2022 monitoring data.
That's a significant change—and one that deserves thoughtful conversation.
So, what changed?
Is it better awareness and diagnosis? Genetics? Our environment? Food? Medications? Something happening during pregnancy? A combination of factors? Researchers continue to study many of these questions. While vaccines are often part of the public conversation, large studies have not found evidence that vaccines cause autism.
But beyond why the numbers have increased, there is another important question:
How do we help?
Autism is a spectrum. Some individuals need minimal assistance, while others require significant, lifelong support. Families may deal with elopement, self-injury, hitting, biting, aggression, communication challenges and around-the-clock supervision. These behaviors don't define the individual, but the safety concerns and caregiver stress can be very real.
Too many families are trying to manage these challenges with limited respite care, adult programs, behavioral services, housing, transportation and other resources.
So I'd really like to hear from parents, educators, medical professionals, therapists, first responders, advocates and community members:
What do YOU think has changed?
And even more importantly…
What can we do as a community to better support individuals with autism and their families without judgment, fear of overstepping, or making families afraid to ask for help?
Let's have a respectful conversation. 💙
STAAR Program
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Non profit advocacy group for individuals with Autism, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities.
We provide support and training for ages 14 - 30 click here to donate: https://secure.etransfer.com/STAAR/donate.cfm?TC=202100&AC=2
Pre conversation. Playing catchup with my guy before we bowl.
STAAR~When we show up,the world 🌎 gets a little bit brighter ✨️
What an AMAZING ! 🎳✨
Today, 27 STAARs came together for an afternoon filled with bowling, laughter, food, friendship, and FUN! 💙⭐️
A huge THANK YOU to all of our parents for trusting us with your STAARs. We never take that trust for granted! And to our incredible volunteers—thank you for showing up, jumping in, and making the work feel easy! 🙌🏽
Today was a reminder of exactly why we do what we do. ❤️
STAAR~When we show up, the world 🌎 gets a little bit brighter ✨️.
Week one back at the Odyssey was awesome! We hit the ground running and our thinking lightbulbs are flickering.
STAAR~ When we show up, the world 🌎 gets a little bit brighter ✨️
🌮✨ STAAR Spirit Night at Taco Mama! ✨🌮
Join us Wednesday, August 26th from 4–9 PM at Taco Mama for a delicious way to give back and make a difference! 💙
Grab dinner with family and friends, and a portion of your purchase will go directly to support the STAAR Program and the individuals we serve.
📍 Taco Mama
7208 Halcyon Dr.
Montgomery, AL
Come hungry, bring a friend, and help support our STAARs! 🌟
STAAR~When we show up, the world 🌎 gets a little bit brighter ✨️.
MontgomeryAL
🚨 TODAY IS THE LAST DAY TO REGISTER! 🚨
Our first of the year is coming up this Saturday, August 15th, and you don’t want your STAAR to miss out! 🌟
💲 Cost: $30 — includes the activity, food, and prizes!
👉 Click the link below or scanning the qr code in the video
👉 Select “DateNight Program” from the drop-down menu
👉 Be sure to add your participant’s name with your registration/payment.
🔗 https://secure.etransfer.com/STAAR/donate.cfm?TC=202100&AC=2
Registered families will receive a text/email tomorrow and again on Friday with all the details for Saturday’s event.
Register TODAY and get ready for another fun ! 💫
STAAR~When we show up, the world 🌎 gets a little bit brighter ✨️.
SocialSkills Inclusion MontgomeryAL
What a great feeling to see our STAARs coming through the doors again! 💙⭐ We are so happy to welcome everyone back to the Odyssey Day Program!
The smiles, hugs, and excitement say it all. We’re ready for another year of learning, growing, building independence, and making memories together.
Our STAARs are “Back in Stride Again” 🎶🌟 and we couldn’t be happier!
STAAR~When we show up, the world 🌎 gets a little bit brighter ✨️.
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