Las Vegas nonprofit looks to shed light on variations of autism during Town Square event

When Lynda Tache’s son, Grant, was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, it changed her life. Once she came to grips with it, she started changing the lives of other families dealing with autism.

Tache is the founder, president and CEO of the Grant a Gift Autism Foundation, which was named in honor of her son. The foundation is planning its seventh annual Race for Hope and Fun Walk with the opening ceremonies set to kick off at 8 a.m. April 30 at Town Square Las Vegas, 6605 Las Vegas Blvd. South.

“Every April is National Autism Awareness Month, and we always have the event on the last Saturday of the month,” Tache said. “Last year, about 17,000 people were here. We also have the resource fair at the same time, with lots of different providers and agencies on hand to answer questions and explain available resources.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates 1 in 68 children have been identified with autism spectrum disorder. Those affected fall somewhere in a range, from those with low intelligence, including some who may never be independent, to those with higher intelligence and a greater possibility of independence. That same estimate by the CDC shows that the proportion of children with autism and higher IQ is on the rise, but it can be an adjustment for the families involved.

“Every child is unique,” said Megan Dresback, whose son, Jack, is autistic. “We say that if you’ve met one autistic person, you’ve met that one person. There aren’t a lot of generalities in autism.”

“I felt very isolated in 2009 when I was trying to get answers for my son,” Tache said. “I felt very alone. A lot of your friends won’t understand it. Sometimes you don’t get invited back to other people’s houses.”

The event was created to bring awareness of autism to the general public and affected families and to raise funds for the foundation’s programs.

“The funds support programs and services that directly treat our community,” Tache said. “All of the money that we raise stays in our community and goes back to help families here.

“Anyone can call our center and talk to a therapist. We partner with a lot of agencies, so if we don’t do what a family needs, we usually know an organization than can help, and we help facilitate that.”

“We haven’t been to the event because that would be very overstimulating for Jack,” Dresback said. “We have gone to the organization for answers and assistance, and they’ve been very helpful.”

Grant is 14 now and attending regular classes. Tache feels confident that he will be able to be independent one day.

Event registration for individuals is $35 for the timed 5K and $30 for the untimed 5K and fun walk.

Visit grantagiftfoundation.org or call 702-564-2453.

To reach East Valley View reporter F. Andrew Taylor, email ataylor@viewnews.com or call 702-380-4532.