Autism in Long Beach Helps Parents Understand

May 7, 2012 - PRLog -- LONG BEACH, CA Autism in Long Beach hosted “Empowering the Parents”, part of the Parent Workshop Series, this weekend in Admiral Kidd Park.  With the help of Center Space of Long Beach, Autism in Long Beach was able to bring in special guest speaker, Amalia Starr, for the parents and provide activities for the children.

Amalia Starr spoke with parents about her experience raising a child on the spectrum.  Starr’s son, now an adult, was diagnosed with autism and untreatable epilepsy.  For the last twelve years her son has been living independently.  Amalia Starr’s story serves as inspiration and hope for other parents with younger children living with autism.  She also authored a book about her experience called “Raising Brandon”.

While the parents were in the workshop, Center Space’s Maria D’Ambrosio offered the children Leap Frog Yoga for Kids.  It was clear that the children enjoyed this activity.  A few even offered their own yoga-inspired poses.  Alexandra, one of the AILB children, demonstrated “Cat Bed”.  Tiara L. Simmons, a volunteer, said, “What I found the most inspiring was watching children not a part of AILB playing with our children. To children, playtime is playtime.”  To Autism in Long Beach, playtime is also learning time not only for the children, but also for the parents, volunteers and sponsors.  “Thank you to Center Space for giving us an opportunity to bring awareness to autism in the city of Long Beach,” says Jane Tipton (Founder/CEO).

The next in the Parents Workshop Series is “Journey in Adolescence”.  AILB is also hosting the Bully Free Zone 2 Picnic on June 3rd in Houghton Park.  For more information visit www.autisminlongbeach.

About Autism in Long Beach - Autism in Long Beach provides awareness, resources, and support for families on the spectrum.  The goal is to raise community awareness and inclusion for the families in Long Beach and surrounding areas.  

About Center Space – Center Space is a project of the Catalyst Network of Communities, a 501c3 non-profit social impact organization. Collaborating partners on the organizing team include Long Beach Time Exchange, T’s Space, Leap Frog Yoga, The Narra Project, Team Zumba USA, Shift Long Beach, and the Greener Good Farmers Market. www.centerspacelb.org