Thursday, April 2, 2009 — The Autism Society of North Carolina’s handed out two elite awards to Stanly County facilities at their Annual Conference on Autism Spectrum Disorder, which was held on March 28.

Dawn Allen, executive director of Group Homes for the Autistic (GHA) in Albemarle, received the 2008 Professional of the Year Award and the Lutheran Family Home of Albemarle received the 2008 Employer of the Year Award.

The Employer of the Year award is given for outstanding contribution by an employer of persons on the autism spectrum.

The Lutheran Family Home of Albemarle has contributed significantly to the autism community by offering employment and volunteer training opportunities to adults with autism over the past five years.

These opportunities are offered in an integrated community setting. The jobs are varied and tailored to the individual’s abilities and interests.

"There are nearly 50,000 people living with autism in North Carolina," said Scott Badesch, CEO of the Autism Society of North Carolina.

"Adult vocational services such as those offered at the Lutheran Family Home of Albemarle are critical to ensuring that these individuals have the opportunity to be productive, participating members of our communities."

The Professional of the Year award is given for outstanding service in the fields of health, recreational, therapeutic, or support services of persons on the autism spectrum.

“Dawn Allen’s vision, passion, and persistence to serve the autism community have never waned," Badesch said.

"Where others see challenges, she sees opportunities to create a better life for individuals on the autism spectrum."

Allen began working for GHA in 1981 as a direct care staff member.

She went on to become a team leader in 1983, a director in 1985, and executive director in 1988.

Under her leadership, GHA has grown from a five-bed children’s group home to an organization that includes multiple group homes, apartments, a farm, a vocational program, job services, a classroom, and in-home services.

Her programs are renowned for their quality and draw visitors from as far away as Japan and Denmark.

Allen has served on local, regional, and statewide advisory boards, advocating for the needs of the entire autism community.

She holds a Masters Degree in Education.

The Autism Society of North Carolina is committed to providing support and promoting opportunities that enhance the lives of individuals within the autism spectrum and their families.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), which includes Autism, Asperger’s Syndrome, and Pervasive Developmental Disorder—Not Otherwise Specified, is a lifelong developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life.

Recent studies estimate that up to 1 of every 150 children born today will be affected by ASD. There are no prenatal indicators for ASD.

Trained professionals make a diagnosis through observation and evaluation. Currently, there are an estimated 50,000 individuals with autism in North Carolina and more than 1.5 million people with ASD living in the United States.

The Autism Society of North Carolina was founded in 1970 by a group of parents who were concerned about the lack of diagnostic and treatment services for their children.

Since then, the Autism Society of North Carolina has become the foremost source in the state for connecting people who live with ASD (and those who care about them) with resources, support, advocacy and information.

Additional information about Autism Spectrum Disorder and the Autism Society of North Carolina is available free of charge to North Carolina residents.

To request a packet, please call 1-800-442-2762 or visit www.autismsociety-nc.org.