Tri-Counties Regional Center
Tri-Line A Regional Center Newsletter
Special Issue on
Legislative Issues April 2001
What’s Inside
Expect a Miracle — Believe by Suzanne Amstutz Imagine your husband has just died, your mother is dying, you have little money, and your baby is diagnosed with autism . . . how do you go on? Lisa Drew refused to wallow in self-pity. Instead, this strong, courageous woman chose to believe and expect a miracle for her precious, alive autistic son. She stepped out seeking support and services that eventually enabled her to help create a “team” for both she and her son, CJ. First, Lisa was referred to Tri-Counties Regional Center by a caring pediatricianHugh, Lisa and CJ celebrate their neurologist, Dr. Goldie, who diagnosed CJ. “team’s” success! This brought TCRC’s Dr. Steven Graff, Intake Psychologist and Mark O’Keefe, Service Coordinator on board. Additionally, over the past four years Cathi Nye, Caren Gross and Gill Surmont have become involved as CJ’s teachers. Furthermore, Hugh Griffith (or “papa”— as CJ calls him), has always been there as a supportive friend and now, CJ’s stepfather. The team was formed. All of these professionals communicate with Lisa and CJ on a regular basis. Lisa attends the Ventura Autism Support Group, autism seminars and conferences, and works at Rainbow Connection Family Resource Center, to give first hand knowledge to other parents trying to navigate through the system. “I think it’s meant a lot to Lisa to have a stable support base around her — to bounce ideas off of, for advice, and at times just to vent her frustrations.” says Service Coordinator Mark O’Keefe, “She is a very nice person, definitely a survivor, and CJ benefits from her relentless energies.” In the past, police officers were often called in to locate CJ when he ran away from school. His teachers could not leave him alone in outside activity groups. He was frequently on a leash. His concentration was poor, and CJ would not make eye contact with many people. His “team” put their heads together and came up with a combination of strategies that are working. No one takes the credit; in fact, they give it to each other. Also . . .they believe in CJ. Now they talk about his talent for reading, drawing and helping others in the classroom when they get stuck on their computer. They also talk about his humor — he loves to read out loud with a theatrical flair and gives lavish bows to everyone who receives an award at school ceremonies. Continued on page 3 side bar . . .
Success Stories • CJ Drew
Supports and Services • Medical Training for consumers • Consumer Satisfaction Report • Family Support Groups
Legislative Updates • Area Board IX Update • ARCA Update • TCRC Policy & Postcard Campaign • PAI/OCRA
TCRC Highlight • Straight from the Heart • Introducing Joseph Buchroeder
Plus . . . April May June 2001 Calendar of TCRC Events