Current Initiatives
The Autism Action Partnership has a strong legacy of successful programs that help families in the Heartland. A few of our recent successes:
Effective Diagnostics. Receiving a timely and comprehensive diagnosis has not always been easy or available for our families locally. Bridget Cannon-Hale, our Director of Programming, participates in a weekly clinic at the Munroe-Meyer Institute at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Families receive a full genetic, behavioral, speech and educational review. The clinic, supervised by nationally-known researcher Dr. Wayne Fisher, sees over 200 children from across the Midwest annually.
Improving Social Skills. Our long-standing partnership with the Recreation Therapy Program at the Munroe-Meyer Institute at the University of Nebraska Medical Center has resulted in innovative social skills programs for middle and senior high students with autism.
This year we partnered with Omaha's Rose Theater to offer drama classes to children with autism. Research has shown this approach can significantly improve social skills and confidence with children on the spectrum. We also offer sibling classes, allowing for a Saturday morning respite opportunity for families.
"The benefits of the PALS Club have been enormous, giving Kiera the opportunity to learn and put into practice social skills, build solid relationships, and experience recreational ventures with age appropriate peers."
Paul and Sharon Orduņa
"My son Jackson is participating in the Autism acting class and he has been delighted each week. As a parent of special needs children, it has been difficult to find activities that would build self esteem and self confidence along with challenging them socially. Your class has enabled Jackson to do these things and have fun doing them."
Laura Vaughn
