Autism Support Group

Offering your family hope through local resources.

AUTISM SUPPORT GROUP - For more information, call 608-847-1285.

For family and friends of anyone with autism.

·            Tuesday, May 14, 7 pm at Mile Bluff Medical Center in Mauston

Support group being held at Mile Bluff to help those affected by autism

            Autism is defined as ‘a complex, developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life, and impacts a person’s ability to communicate and interact with others.’  It is considered a spectrum disorder, meaning that it affects individuals in different ways and to varying degrees.  With one in every 110 births in the United States being diagnosed with autism, healthcare organizations are stepping up to offer support to families of children living with the disorder.

            On Tuesday, February 14, Reverend Jeff Fairchild will lead a support group designed to assist families of children who live with autism.  The meeting will take place at Mile Bluff Medical Center in Mauston, beginning at 7 pm.  During the meeting there will be opportunities for participants to network with others who are dealing with situations similar to theirs, and discussion time to learn from others about recognizing and preparing for challenges that may arise.

            The estimated lifetime cost of caring for a child with autism ranges from $3.5 to $5 million.  This alone can cause strain on families.  Add into that mix, a child with what some think is ‘difficult’ behavior, and it can put major stress on moms, dads, other siblings, grandparents, family friends and so on.  Luckily, Mile Bluff offers a support network to help address the issues these individuals face. 

 Attend the upcoming autism support group at Mile Bluff Medical Center on Tuesday, February 14 at 7 pm, and learn what you can do to help that special child in your life.   For more information, call 608-847-1285.

The Autism Support leader is Reverend Jeffrey D. Fairchild. He has hundreds of hours of experience in counseling and crisis intervention as the Director of Pastoral Care at Mile Bluff Medical Center. He holds a Master of Pastoral Counseling Degree from Olivet Nazarene University and a Master of Art & Religion Degree from Northwest Nazarene University.  He is a member of the American Association of Pastoral Counselors. In his studies he had special emphasis on counseling those who are dealing with grief issues, as well as those who are depressed or dealing with marriage or family issues.

For more information, please call Rev. Fairchild at 608 847 1285 or email him at jfairchild@milebluff.com.