By Troy Blevins, President of Project Autism

Project Autism is a parent based organization created to provide programs, awareness, and advocacy to all those interested in Autism Spectrum Disorders. Our passion as parents and caregivers gives us an inside perspective into what families are looking for to assist our children within our community. We have had early success with programs that have included private screenings at the World Golf Village's IMAX Theater, as well as participating with St. Johns County Recreation and Parks "Shooting Starz" monthly program.

On January 24th, we will be hosting a private dining experience with our partner, Outback Steakhouse, in St. Augustine. This luncheon will allow parents to practice dining out in a controlled environment.

Please see the attached flyer or visit our website (www.projectautismsj.org) for more information on this event. Project Autism has monthly family events planned, so please be sure to visit our calendar of events often, or email us your contact information to be put on our events contact list. We look forward to seeing many of you again, and to meeting new families over the next year!

• Click here for Outback Steakhouse flyer
• Click here for Bowling with Project Autism in February

HEAL Families Janeen Herskovitz, Outreach Co-ordinator for the HEAL Foundation, is starting two new support groups this February. These groups are at no cost and are open to anyone who has a child with Autism. Past participants have been parents whose child was recently diagnosed to parents with young adults on the Autism Spectrum. These groups have spawned new support systems, new friends, and several coping mechanisms.

There will be a group for Moms and Dads on Monday nights in Jacksonville Beach, and a group for Moms in St. Augustine, Thursday mornings. Pre-Registration is required, and space is limited. If you would like more information, or to register, click here.

• Download a copy of the flyer here
  

Ginny from Native SunStarting the gluten-casein free diet can be an overwhelming task. Knowing how to read labels, learning the alternative names for ingredients, and planning meals can be a daunting task if you're doing it for the first time. If your child has additional sensitivities to foods such as corn, soy, and (perish the thought) rice, you may start to wonder if the nightmare will ever end.

It's not too soon to start thinking about summer! HEAL wants to make sure you and your loved one on the spectrum have plenty of options. Please email us here if you know of camps for individuals with Autism that are not listed on our website, including overnight camps outside of the greater Jacksonville area. HEAL is also interested in funding summer programs for students on the spectrum. Please contact HEAL if you have a camp or activity that needs funding.

HEAL is currently working with local groups to bring back 'A Day at the Beach' Surf Camp and Joey Travolta/HEAL Film Camp. Dates will be announced for these camps once confirmation has been secured.

The HEAL Foundation is interested in supporting new and innovative programs and/or research opportunities that will benefit individuals with Autism. The Foundation values community-based collaborations, inclusive programming, or projects that incorporate parents, teachers, adults, and children as advisors, supporters, or volunteers.

Applications for projects, programs, equipment, or research which will enhance, enrich, or improve the lives of children with ASD are encouraged. Funds may also be used for workshops or assemblies to educate parents, faculty, administrators, and "typical children" on the high prevalence of Autism, as well as how to accommodate and assimilate children with ASD into their communities.

HEAL is a local 501 (c ) 3 with a mission to help families who have a member with Autism in Northeast Florida. Since the summer of 2007, over $400,000 has been granted to local organizations looking to assist individuals on the spectrum and their families.

• Please click here to view past grants.