BCASC Prepares for Autism Awareness Month with Annual Conference

Like most parents, Paul Rokuskie didn't become an expert on autism until it hit his own family. His son, Grant, had been diagnosed with the condition in 2007, and suddenly Rokuskie and his wife, Beth, had to quickly learn as much as they could not only about autism, but which services are available and what their rights are as parents of a child with special needs.

"There's a lot of misconceptions and incorrect information out there, especially on the web," said Rokuskie. "The system can be very challenging and very overwhelming."

Beth began attending meetings for a fairly new support group called the Bucks County Autism Support Coalition and eventually urged Paul to start going, as well. A few short years later, Rokuskie now serves as the president of the BCASC and is an active parent in the , monitoring the progress and availability of the special education services.

"What's great about our group is that it's a true collaboration between educators and parents," said the Warminster resident. "We work together to maximize the support and information we can give individuals who need it."

That collaboration comes to a head with the BCASC's Fifth Annual Autism Conference on March 24 at Central Bucks South in Warrington. Starting at 7:30 a.m. parents and educators of children on the autism spectrum are invited to attend a day of education and enlightenment on a variety of topics including social skills training, sensory techniques, behavioral programming, designing academic programs, adult transition, financial and legal planning, and more. The cost is $40 for parents, $65 for educators.

"In five years, it's become a really big draw in the local autism community," said Rokuskie. "It's a great networking opportunity for parents to find people in similar situations and foster a camraderie. We are also accredited, meaning teachers can earn Act 48 credits by attending our seminars."

Dr. Stephen Shore will start the days programming as the keynote speaker. He was diagnosed as a child with “atypical development with strong autistic tendencies,” and viewed as “too sick” to be treated on an outpatient basis and recommended for institutionalization, according to a rlease by the BCASC.

Nonverbal until four, and with much help from his parents, teachers, and others, Dr. Shore completed his doctoral dissertation at Boston University where he focused on matching best practices to the needs of people on the autism spectrum. Recently, Dr. Shore has accepted a professorship at Adelphi University, teaching courses in special education and autism.

"There are different categories of autism," said Rokuskie, "and certain symptoms might place your child in a category with other children, but they all have their different issues. No autistic child is like the other, and a solution for one person does not guarantee it will work for another."

With April designated as Autism Awareness Month, BCASC's conference is basically considered the starting point for several events happening throughout the month and into May, including:

• The Please Touch Museum hosts an autism evening on Saturday, April 7, 6 p.m.-9 p.m., sponsored by the Philadelphia chapter of Variety Children's Charity.
• The Philadelphia Zoo will hold its own Autism Awareness Day on April 15, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Presented by the Autism Society of America, the cost is $10 per person.
• The Bridge Valley Trail Blazer Race for Autism, an annual 5K race that has so far raised more than $80,000 for the BCASC. Hosted by Bridge Valley Elementary School in Furlong, the event takes place on April 28 at 7:30 a.m.
• The BCASC hosts a family fun mini-golf tournament at Happy Tymes Family Fun Center in Warrington on May 1 at 10 a.m. Cost is $7 per person.
• will dedicate it's final annual Walk for Wellness to the BCASC on May 4. The students will raise money with a one-mile fitness walk, and the proceeds will benefit the BCASC.
• The BCASC closes out the season with its annual family picnic in Burpee Park in Doylestown, May 5 at 11:30 a.m.