Voices for Inclusion


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 F.A.Q.s  
What is Autism?
Autism is generally accepted as a chemical imbalance in the brain. Symptoms include:
1) non-social behavior, like a child in a group not interacting, playing alone.
2) unreasonable or worse than normal outbursts that last much longer than normal brought on by environmental stress such as loud or high pitched noises, bright lights, too much interaction forced on the child (or adult).
3) Delayed speech or lack of communication and understanding. Early intervention can make a huge difference.
4) Lack of motivation and narrow interests. Autism can be very frustrating for the parent and the teacher as the normal motivation to 'fit in' or to 'please' is not part of the picture.
What is Aspergers?
Pretty much the same as Autism except for these children may very well be above the curve in intelligence and vocabulary and it may be they are physically symptomless. This makes it very hard for the child in public school where, even if the staff has some autism training, they often have little training in Aspergers and very little tolerance for what appears to be insubordination, which it is not. Very often, a punishment for saying a word (for example gun) may not carry over into not making the hand signal for a gun or not drawing a gun - each different manifestation must be dealt with individually.
What is Down Syndrome?
A chromosomal disorder with hypotonia (decreased muscle tone), short stature, flat facial profile, small ears, speckling of the iris (the colored part that surrounds the pupil), short fingers, simian crease, cardiac defects.
What does Missouri Voices for Inclusion Do?
We are a volunteer organization that holds several fundraising events throughout the year to benefit children with special needs by funding programs and services through The Bubel/Aiken Foundation. We promote inclusion for children with special needs in all areas of our community and through our web page. We create awareness about all people with disabilities and offer direction through our web page to visitors that we hope will inform and help them.
Do your funds raised through events stay locally?
Missouri Voices for Inclusion's larger fundraising events do donate a portion raised to local groups in our area that have the same mission of inclusion and creating awareness for children with disabilities.
How do we find out about the events?
Please check our calendar and event sections on this web page. We also advertise in local newspapers, magazines, radio closer to event time. If you would like more information about an event you can contact us by going to our Contact Us section here on our web page.