Organization

Autism is epidemic today and it is estimated that there are over 6,000 children with autism living in Orange County, California. While there are many support groups for parents of children with autism, the Grandparent Autism Network was founded in April 2006 to meet the unique needs of grandparents in our community.

GAN is a nonprofit, all volunteer organization. There are no charges for membership or for presentations which are mostly exclusive to grandparents and provide opportunities for questions and answers. Topics typically focus on how to better understand and interact with grandchildren and offer suggestions about how we can improve the quality of life for our families. Speakers are well respected professionals. Meetings are held in many cities throughout Orange County during daytime or evening hours in order to accommodate to the needs of grandparents who have limited mobility or who work. Sometimes visits are scheduled at local autism resources which provide services for families. Many grandparents commute fifty miles or more to participate in our events.

Unlike our children, who are totally focused on their children’s needs, grandparents are concerned about the effects of autism on their children, grandchildren and every future generation. We want to know about current research studies, what treatments are considered most effective and how autism might be prevented. We seek assistive technologies to make life easier for our family members. We want our grandchildren to grow up in a social environment that is both understanding and supportive to them. We share their frustrations in coping with autism, applaud their hard earned accomplishments and we have the potential to be their best advocates. GAN strives to increase awareness and resources for autism on both local and national levels.

Because autism causes emotional and financial strains on marriage, grandparents frequently play a significant role in helping their families. It is estimated that the divorce rate is 85 percent in families with children who have autism. Many grandparents provide respite time for their children, transport their grandchildren to special programs and underwrite costs to provide services for special needs. Some grandparents live with their grandchildren and are legally responsible for them. It is important for us to learn about the therapies and possible dietary, environmental and therapeutic interventions prescribed for them. It does not matter if we agree with a particular protocol, we need to understand why it is being recommended or followed.

Orange County autism service providers support our efforts and programs. The GAN members extend their community outreach and provide new volunteer resources for their projects. GAN also plans activities and entertainment for grandparents to share with their grandchildren. These are opportunities for socialization which encourage new friendships. In addition, we have social events for grandparents that promote “friend-raising” as well as fund-raising for worthwhile autism causes.

Frequently, the best information is communicated from grandparent to grandparent. Networking together, we offer practical solutions to common problems, based upon personal experiences with our grandchildren. We know that grandparents networking together are a vital resource for autism … and each other.