Muscogee County Autism Support GroupMission
The overall mission of MCASG and the Autism Hope Center is to remove barriers faced by children and adults with autism-spectrum disorders in becoming more successful students and contributing members of their local communities.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a growing epidemic that crosses all racial, ethnic, and social groups. According to the CDC, 1 in 94 children in Georgia fall somewhere on the autism spectrum. Unfortunately, the numbers are rapidly rising, and based on the population of our area, there are as many as 2000 individuals with autism. After diagnosis, families begin a desperate search for answers to their children’s challenges. It is critical that we raise funds to diagnose and treat autism in our community.
The Muscogee County Autism Support Group, Inc. (MCASG) formed as a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization in 2005 in order to provide advocacy, education, and support. The MCASG provides monthly educational seminars, support group meetings and is partnering with The Bradley Center, St. Francis Hospital, The Medical Center, and the Columbus Board of Health, to focus our community resources on this problem. We are able to assist many families thanks to this support from our partners.
Early intervention is critical to optimal development for children with autism. Since February 2008, the Autism Hope Center has operated a model pre-school program for children ages 2-6. Columbus Technical College provides the space for this program that is also training future professionals to understand autism better. We are expanding our programs to include more military families. Although we continue to seek support through Community, Medical, State and Federal grants, contributions from caring individuals play an important role in making our dreams come true. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to the MCASG.