by Lynda Dell

The Kuepper Family

They say that necessity is the mother of invention. Well, it was for the Keupper family, when their two-year-old, Michael, was diagnosed with autism.

Linda and Frank Kuepper have literally been running after help for their son and others like him. They founded the Autism Cares Foundation to provide a fun, safe, loving supportive environment where their son and others with could make friends and thrive.

They are spearheading the Autism Cares Foundation Race for Resources and Autism Expo held at Council Rock High School in Newtown, PA on Saturday, Nov. 9.

More than 50 autism service providers will be available for one-stop shopping for families. They are expecting thousands, so they are asking participants to come early to register.

The Kueppers knew their child wasn’t like other typically developing children. They began to realize that something was very wrong. Their son spoke less frequently and began to retreat into his own world. After many months of seeing specialists and undergoing every test possible, Michael was finally diagnosed with autism.

“When we first got the diagnosis of autism we didn’t know what it meant, “explains Linda. “We had no clue whatsoever. So it was a very scary point in life not to know about autism or how to go about finding out. We did a lot of research on the computer.”

It marked the beginning of their journey into the world of autism. They soon discovered their son would not outgrow this condition. In fact, they would be dealing with it the rest of their lives and his life, too. But Michael has also been a blessing in their life who has taught them many things.

“Michael has taught me patience, patience, and more patience,” Linda says. Even more important her son has taught her not to worry about the little things: Focus on what matters most. “Michael is my inspiration; he is my inner strength.”

Although Michael, at age 5, was receiving early intervention services in an autism-supported classroom, something was profoundly lacking from his life—friends and fun. He received no invitations to birthday parties or other curricular activities. People were afraid of him, his arm flapping, shrieking, and other quirks that seemed scary, and he was often misunderstood.

Five years ago, the Kueppers established the Autism Cares Foundation, a 5013c charitable organization, to provide life-enrichment activities for people with autism at no cost to family members.

The first outing, a moon-bounce event, was a huge success. As word spread quickly, more families joined the network. Each year they were able to offer more outings for more families from money raised throughout the year. In the first year they offered 6, in the second year 24, in the third year 46, in the fourth year 100, in the fifth year 150 outings, which ranged from weekly physical fitness programs, arts and crafts, holiday parties, to social dances, all at no costs to families.

They have created much more than a network of families: they have built a community support system that benefits all family members who have grown close over the years.

“Since we started the Autism Cares Foundation my son has friends,” shares Linda. “ They don’t judge him; they love him for who he is he and that is what all these families do for us. We care very deeply about our families. We love what we do. It is so nice to go to an event because I get to see my friends, too.”

Forty percent of people with autism are nonverbal, including Michael, the Keupper’s son, who is now 15. Amazingly enough, the Keuppers have helped their son to communicate using a combination of one word sentences, sign language, and now the iPad, too. He is nonverbal and people can’t have a conversation with him. But now he can request a drink, cookie or even ask for help.

This year the Autism Cares Foundation opened the first autism technology center, where people with autism are taught by trained volunteers how to use an iPad and specific applications that enable them to learn and communicate, providing another way to be heard and understood. The iPad has been used to overcome a major challenge for the people with autism who do not speak.

In the second year they began to tackle a larger issue: long term care. They are trying to answer these startling family questions–What happens when you are no longer able to care for your child with autism? What happens when government cuts leave no acceptable options?

The first phase is opening a facility in Southampton, the Autism Resources Center, scheduled to open soon, to expand services already provided to include life and job training skills in coordination with business owners to prepare older teens and adults for more self-sufficiency and future employment. Currently, only 3% of people with autism have been able to secure a job. This center represents an opportunity for people with autism to contribute and become a part of the community.

Their long-term goal, the Autism Resources Center of Excellence and Life Facility, is to open a facility to provide temporary or permanent housing that includes a recreation center where many opportunities are provided to interact with the community and as much or as minimal support needed for people to live, work, and engage with their community.

Today, the Autism Cares Foundation has provided services for 800 families, with new programs added each year. Fund raising is critical for the foundation to continue to provide and step-up services. These short-term and long-term goals require support from the community through volunteer work and donations. Each person can make a difference!

“Race for Resources” is on Saturday, November 9th at Council Rock North High School

• Walk up Registration begins at 7:30am
• Expo Vendors can arrive from 7:00am – 7:30am
• 5k Run/ 5k Fun Walk begins at 9:00am

Packet Pick up Thursday November 7th & Friday November 8th from 12:00pm – 6:00pm at:

Fitlife Performance
157 Railroad Dr.
Ivyland, PA 18974

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