Taca's 10th Anniversary

I enjoy greatly hearing about how organizations got started doing what they do. I have found that many in the special needs community are just driven simply by the love for our children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, brother and sisters and friends. There is no single treatment for issues our children face. In some cases what works for one does not always work for another. I know this is frustrating just hearing it. Each month here on Hope Magazine will feature one of these organizations. I decided to start with TACA!

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TACA!

10 YEARS OF SUPPORT FOR OTHERS!

Hope Magazine Online would like to wish TACA a very Happy 10^th Anniversary! I was fortunate to talk with Becky Estepp the Media Relations Manager for TACA to be able to share this story with you. Becky is also the parent of a child diagnosed with autism.

“Talk About Curing Autism (TACA) provides real help for children with autism and their families. We educate, empower, support and connect families with the resources they need to secure the best possible future for their children.”

There is a myriad of emotions, reactions, and fears that run through the deepest parts of our being as parents when our child(ren) are diagnosed with any condition. Autism is one of those diagnoses. The first thing most people do even before the numbness wears off; start searching for information. I was overwhelmed with all I found so I know others felt the same and still do because 1 in 91 children are diagnosed with autism today. “Talk About Curing Autism”, TACA provides powerful guidance and invaluable resources for parents looking for answers and solutions. We just wanted to take a look at how TACA began and highlight services they offer.

TACA is celebrating 10 years of supporting families dealing with an autism diagnosis. Like many nonprofits in existence today TACA began in the living room of its founder, Lisa Ackerman 2000. We can accomplish a great deal based on one simple yet extraordinary gift; love. The group started with ten families coming together for their children. What was different about these families? They shared a common belief in alternative options for their children affected by autism.

TACA has profoundly impacted and supported the autism community for the past 10 years! Glen and Lisa Ackerman formed Talk About Curing Autism (TACA) in 2000. In March 2004 Lisa retired from her full-time career to volunteer her time full time with TACA & the families served by the mission. It was not until July 2008 that Lisa started to receive a full time salary for her efforts with TACA.

Becky Estepp started a TACA Chapter in her own area when it just wasn’t feasible for her to drive the physical distance to meetings. Being able to start her own Chapter was essential for her family. TACA has grown to 28 chapters across the United States. TACA is now providing support to 15,000 families.

At this time no one organization is going to please all the people all of the time. Becky and I talked about some of the misconceptions about TACA. We have both witness online criticism on message boards with regard to alternative treatments like GFCF and Biomedical approaches. I myself firmly believe in “taking what is yours and leaving the rest.” TACA has also been criticized as being against vaccines. Becky shared this though: "While the vast majority of us feel vaccines caused or aggravated our child's condition, TACA is not anti-vaccine. Most of our parents are calling for safer vaccines and a slowing down of the current vaccine schedule. TACA promotes alternative treatments like the GFCF diet, supplements, pro-biotics, etc... TACA understands that there are no guarantees that one treatment will work for all, we believe and advocate for parents to give alternative treamtents a try."

TACA's Programs

Many families don’t know the next step! TACA helps with the transition into action through several key programs they offer.

“Part of our key focus is building the autism community and helping families affected by autism. We have found that for many families new to the autism diagnosis of a loved one, offering a parent mentor can help ease the frustration, navigate the confusing "system" and help jump start the family with ACTION for their child affected by autism.”

Ninety-five percent of what TACA provides to families affected by autism is free. Here is a list of the many wonderful services that TACA provides however for more complete explanations please visit their website to see if they would be a good match for you:

Outreach & Parent Education

Parent Education, Monthly Meetings, & Coffee Talks.

Parent Mentors

Autism Journey Guides

Loaner Resource Libraries

Professionals & Services Directory

Website, E-newsletters & Live Chat

Family Scholarship Program

Adopt-a-Family Campaign

Autism Cares

Pacific Life Grant

Read more information about TACA’s education/support group meetings

TACA’s Mission

“Talk About Curing Autism (TACA) provides information, resources, and support to families affected by autism. For families who have just received the autism diagnosis, TACA aims to speed up the cycle time from the autism diagnosis to effective treatments. TACA helps to strengthen the autism community by connecting families and the professionals who can help them, allowing them to share stories and information to help people with autism be the best they can be.”