Event Beneficiaries

Event proceeds benefit Autism Services at Children's Therapy Unit at MultiCare Good Samaritan.

Do you remember your child's "terrible twos"..? When he wouldn't answer to his name, threw a fit when it was time to leave the house, and refused to say "hi" to the friendly woman at the grocery store? Imagine your child never outgrowing this stage, and not having the innate abilities to play and make friends. That is what life is like for many families whose children have diagnoses on the Autism spectrum.

Autism is a complex neurological disorder that impacts the normal development of the brain in areas of social interaction and communication skills. Children and adults with Autism will typically have difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions and leisure or play activities. "So much of the therapy for children with Autism is about learning life skills that many people take for granted" said Dawn Heino, CTU Occupational Therapist.

In the Social Skills Groups at Children's Therapy Unit, children with Autism learn to make eye contact, respect personal space, and take turns in play and in conversation. While individual therapy is important, therapy received in group social interaction is vital for these children to develop into teens and adults who can function in ways that fall into social norms.

85% of the cost of these therapy programs are not covered by insurance. By supporting Tis the Season with your auction purchases and Fund a Need gifts, you enable CTU to offer greater financial assistance to these families, allowing these children to stay in therapy and giving them a chance to discover their possibilities.

There are currently 130 children with diagnoses on the Autism spectrum receiving services at CTU, and another 60 on the waiting list. This represents the largest and fastest growing number of referrals to CTU. Therapy for these children can be completed in just 12 weeks or can last several years. Most children require services for 18 months or longer to show long term, significant results. Few centers provide intensive treatment and CTU is the only one in Pierce County that provides Social Skills Groups.