First Miss America Contestant with Autism

The 2013 Miss America was crowned in January, but one contestant made history. Miss Montana, Alexis Wineman, is the first Miss America contestant diagnosed with autism. She is considered highly functioning, but the 18-year-old says she was ridiculed in school because of a speech impediment and intense shyness.

“Growing up I barely hung out with any one. The girl you’re seeing right now is not the girl you would have seen 10 years ago. I have overcome a lot, I’ve overcome so many of my symptoms,” Wineman said.Wineman credits her family with helping her become comfortable with herself. She says that enabled her to get out and try new things.

Bay Area School Demonstrates that a Functional Based Program Can Be a Great Beginning to a Positive Quality of Life

The functional based program at Wings Learning Center, a school for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders in Redwood City, CA, demonstrates how functional based programming can incorporate all critical educational areas into effective and engaging, meaningful activities. Read more in this article written by Karen Kaplan, Executive Director at Wings Learning Center. She is also founder and coordinator of The Marin Autism Lecture Series and the Annual Marin Autism Information and Resource Fair.

Attention California Parents!

AUTISM INSURANCE ALERT!

Several significant changes are taking place involving funding from regional centers and health insurance to help families pay for their child’s autism treatment.

California Autism Insurance Takes Effect July 1. Is your family ready? Click here to find out about free workshops or to submit a free insurance benefits review form.

Marin Independent Journal Article:
“Autism in Marin” written by
Nancy Dow Moody, Lifehouse President/CEO

Read the article here!

Thank you to Lifehouse, the fiscal sponsor of MAC!

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