Saturday April 27, 2013
GREAT BARRINGTON -- When Tammy Merenda first started working at the Autism Treatment Center of America in Sheffield, the field of work done there was a new concept to them.
"I didn't know what to expect. I had no clue what autism was," she said of the center, which is part of The Option Institute.
After working there for a while and interacting with families and staff members, she and her husband, Chris, developed an understanding of the disorder and respect and appreciation for the programs and support the center offers families.
"We were so inspired," she said. "Even after we stopped working there, we wanted to give something back to them. We want to help families learn what we've learned."
Three years ago, she and her husband, a local musician, decided to organize a benefit autism awareness concert. This year, the concert, which will feature about a dozen musical acts today at the Guthrie Center, takes on a new meaning as the couple prepares to adopt a young boy with autism.
So far, pre-concert efforts have raised more than $6,000 for the Autism Treatment Center of America. The funding helps support scholarships for family education and initial consultations, which are provided to families for free.
"There's a constantly growing demand for services," said Clyde Haberman, an educator and director of development for the Autism Treatment Center of America.
The center uses a signature approach,
"I think everybody knows somebody touched by autism," Haberman said, "but a lot of people don't know where to go for help."
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Great Barrington couple makes autism research their passion