501c3 Not for Profit Organization
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Our Mission
Talk About Curing Autism (TACA) provides information, resources, and support to families affected by autism. For families who have just received the autism diagnosis, TACA aims to speed up the cycle time from the autism diagnosis to effective treatments. TACA helps to strengthen the autism community by connecting families and the professionals who can help them, allowing them to share stories and information to help people with autism be the best they can be.
Please contact us on how you can help or be involved.
• Our Board Members
• Our Accomplishments
• Our Activities
• Support Group Meetings
• Family Scholarship Program
What is Autism
Autism is a devastating neurological and biological disorder that typically affects children between the ages in 18 months to five years of age. Autism currently affects 1 in every 150 children born today. It is estimated there are over 1 million people in the United States alone with autism. Autism affects each individual differently and at different levels of severity. Some people with autism are severely affected, cannot speak, require constant one-on-one care, and are never able to live independently. While others are have less severe symptoms, can communicate, and eventually acquire the necessary skills to live on their own.
Typically, autism affects individuals in four key areas:
• Communication (verbal and non-verbal)
• Social skills
• Behaviors
• Learning
What TACA Provides
Since 2000 Talk About Curing Autism (TACA) has been providing support services to Californians. In 2007 through our National Initiative, TACA has expanded our services for the United States. Ninety-five percent of what TACA provides to families affected by autism is free.
TACA provides support and education for families affected by autism through the following efforts:
GUIDES: TACA Autism Journey guides that provide a comprehensive overview of what to do following the autism diagnosis. These are provided at no cost to families at TACA meeting locations only. Guides can also be purchased on the TACA web site and shipped anywhere in the U.S.
WEB SITE: TACA’s website and e-mail newsletters contain timely and important information for families
PARENT EDUCATION: Parent education seminars on various important topics, including one series focused specifically on helping families immediately after the autism diagnosis.
EDUCATION AND SUPPORT MEETINGS: TACA holds monthly meetings in 16 locations across the country. TACA’s meetings feature educational speakers on important topics and allow family members to connect with one another to stay on top of the latest information in the autism world. In 2008, TACA will be launching virtual online meetings so that support, education and empowerment and available to anyone, anywhere.
PARENT MENTORS: TACA provides parent mentors to help families who need one-on-one support in how to deal with some of the issues surrounding autism.
DOCTOR’S TRAINING: TACA provides training about autism to local physicians and the ability for them to meet and connect with other autism professionals.
SOCIAL GATHERINGS: In several TACA locations, monthly social events are planned for families.
LOANER LIBRARIES: TACA offers loaner libraries at all of its meetings where the most current books, audio and video tapes can be checked out by parents at no charge.
AUTISM CARES – Families in Crisis:
This U.S. Campaign provides grants to families in extreme crisis. Autism Cares is a collaboration of eight autism foundations to help families in need. Grants are awarded to qualified families and funds are distributed to vendors/payees in honor of the family in need.
FAMILY SCHOLARSHIPS:
Families affected by autism occasionally need a helping hand to help their children. These grants can be used for much needed medical treatments, independent assessments, advocate assistance, advanced parent education or other key areas.
ANNUAL ADOPT-A-FAMILY HOLIDAY CAMPAIGN: For three years, TACA has adopted qualified families with gifts and gift cards to families in need. This care packages are often the only gifts families affected by autism receive during the holiday season. Our goal is to spread joy and let families in need know we care.
SOCIAL CLUB: Pre-teen and teenagers with autism face ongoing social skill challenges that may leave them at risk for emotional problems. In this group three therapists will meet with the group of 10 children to guide them in experience-based social skills in a variety of setting. (This program is delivered in communities with the most requests.)
COUNSELING: We know that our families often face serious challenges which can exhaust couples and put relationships at risk. This group (limited to five couples for each 8-week session) is facilitated by a licensed marriage and family therapist and aimed specifically at parents of children affected by autism. (This program is delivered in communities with the most requests.)
Contact Information
3070 Bristol Street, Suite #340, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
EIN# 27-0048002
(949) 640-4401
Fax: (949) 640-4424
Email
Read more information about TACA’s education/support group meetings
How TACA Helps Families
› Adopt a Family Recap
› Family Scholarship Program
› AutismCares Family Support Awards
› Parent-to-Parent Mentoring
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Year-round assistance to families in great need.
Big Wave Surfer Laird Hamilton and Steve & Barry's Launch The Wonderwall™ Collection
Surf and skate line includes unique tee that will benefit Autism Awareness & help for families
› Read more
Just for FUN – once a month
Come join your TACA friends at PUMP IT UP in Huntington Beach, Rancho Cucamonga and Sorrento Valley for some good ol’ family fun! See schedule
