What is Autism
Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life, and is a result of a neurological disorder that affects the normal functioning of the brain, profoundly impacting development in areas of social interaction and communication skills.
Autism knows no racial, ethnic, social boundaries, family income, lifestyle or educational level. It can affect any family and any child.

Autism is still a mystery
Although there have been some breakthroughs we still dont know what causes it and there is no known cure. However there is one widely- accepted fact:
Early and intensive intervention can have a profound impact on the quality of life for both children at risk and their families.
Every 20 minutes a family receives the devastating diagnosis. At this rate if you dont have a family member or friend whose child has been affected by this disorder, you will.
These kids will grow up, what then ?
We need to act now to give these kids a fighting chance for their future.

Autism Statistics
· 1 in 150 births.
· 1 to 1.5 million Americans.
· Fastest growing developmental disability.
· 10- 17% annual growth.
· Growth comparison during the 1990s:
· U.S. population increase: 13%
· Disabilities increase: 16%
· Autism increase: 172%
· $90 billion annual cost
· 90% of costs are in adult services
· Cost of lifelong care can be reduced by 2/3 with early diagnosis and intervention
· In 10 years the annual cost will be $200-400 billion.

Our Mission
Learning Links Foundation is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide funding for programs that offer children with developmental delays, autistic spectrum disorders, and fragile-X a learning environment that promotes the acquisition and maintenance of appropriate behaviors in order to achieve their maximum potential within their family, school, and community life.

You can make a difference !
Learning Links Foundation has developed an intensive intervention program designed for children with ASD (Autistic Spectrum Disorders).
About our program
What makes our program unique is that we group children affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders with typically developing children together at an early age. We support a consistent structured routine. We teach and model social skills and expose the students to social situations that will give them the opportunity to use the skills they have been taught within all other settings. By having typical peers around them, talking and playing and trying to get them engaged in play, it helps autistic children to interact.
The typically developing children also greatly benefit from this program. The peer models become good play organizers. Typically developing children who participate in this program receive age appropriate academic skills,but in addition to that they acquire an incredible sense of compassion and acceptance for others. Because of their model roles as young children they learn to be leaders and have initiatives to help others in need.
We cannot do this alone. We need your help to make a difference and impact the lives of these children forever. Our community needs to come together and help our kids reach their maximum potential..

To Help us in this mission you could send your donation to:

Learning Links Foundation, Inc.
P.O. Box 941644, Miami, FL 33194 / 786-269-9275

Or, you could make your donations online by clicking the following link:

Learning Links Foundation is a nonprofit organization and all donations to same are tax deductable. DLN # 17053087010027