"We Can Always Find Common Good"

The fact is that no matter how many reasons we can find to disagree with, or even dislike others, if we're patient and willing, we can always find common ground - Jason Black

P/S - "Where the Hell is Matt"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlfKdbWwruY

He is funny, you'll enjoy this YouTube video.

Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life and affects a person’s ability to communicate and interact with others. Autism is defined by a certain set of behaviors and is a "spectrum disorder" that affects individuals differently and to varying degrees. There is no known single cause for autism, but increased awareness and funding can help families today.

In February 2007, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued their ADDME autism prevalence report. The report, which looked at a sample of 8 year olds in 2000 and 2002, concluded that the prevalence of autism had risen to 1 in every 150 American children, and almost 1 in 94 boys. The issuance of this report caused a media uproar, but the news was not a surprise to ASA or to the 1.5 million Americans living with the effects of autism spectrum disorder. Nonetheless, the spotlight shown on autism as a result of the prevalence increase opens opportunities for the nation to consider how to serve these families facing a lifetime of supports for their children.

Currently, ASA estimates that the lifetime cost of caring for a child with autism ranges from $3.5 million to $5 million, and that the United States is facing almost $90 billion annually in costs for autism (this figure includes research, insurance costs and non-covered expenses, Medicaid waivers for autism, educational spending, housing, transportation, employment, in addition to related therapeutic services and caregiver costs).

Know the Signs: Early Identification Can Change Lives

Autism is treatable. Children do not "outgrow" autism, but studies show that early diagnosis and intervention lead to significantly improved outcomes.

Here are some signs to look for in the children in your life:

• Lack of or delay in spoken language
• Repetitive use of language and/or motor mannerisms (e.g., hand-flapping, twirling objects)
• Little or no eye contact
• Lack of interest in peer relationships
• Lack of spontaneous or make-believe play
• Persistent fixation on parts of objects

Source: http://www.autism-society.org

Since moving to Lancaster 10 years ago Dan has served as the Executive Director of The United Support Group, Executive Director of The Ephrata Performing Arts Center, and Director of Community Outreach for Welsh Mountain Medical & Dental Center. He currently is Director of Development at SouthEast Lancaster Health Services. Dan is also well known for his work in local theater both as an actor and director and has been instrumental in starting a new theater company in Lancaster. He serves on the Board of Directors of United Support Group and Ghostlight Theater Company. Education includes a Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature from Rowan University and a Master’s Degree in Theology from Lancaster Theological Seminary.

REV. BRUCE EPPERLY, PH.D., is a teacher, spiritual guide, writer, lecturer, retreat leader, and reiki teacher. The author of fifteen books, he is Professor of Practical Theology and Continuing Education at Lancaster Theological Seminary in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. An ordained minister in the United Church of Christ and Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), he is also co-pastor with his wife, Rev. Kate Epperly, D.Min., of Disciples United Community Church in Lancaster, PA.

A graduate of Claremont Graduate University, Claremont, California, in 1980, Bruce has served as a faculty member at Central Michigan University, Georgetown University, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Wesley Theological Seminary, and Lancaster Theological Seminary. He also served as Senior Protestant Chaplain at Georgetown University. He regularly lectures, leads workshops and retreats, and gives reiki trainings throughout the United States and Canada.

Bruce is married to Dr. Katherine Gould Epperly and is the father of Matt Epperly.