Carolyn Warden
Spirit of Support Award 2008
Submitted by Jim Warden
Carolyn Warden is the mother of a child who was diagnosed with an
Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) called Asperger’s Syndrome or
Asperger’s. Carolyn created a haven now known as the Asperger Parent
Network (APN) after finding out that no system of support existed to
offer families answers to questions regarding parenting an Asperger
child. She has worked tirelessly to implement various service
programs to support families and to communicate and educate the
public and professionals on the effects of this “hidden” disability.
ASDs are the fastest growing childhood disability with estimates of
1 in 150 children being now diagnosed with this disorder. About
1/3rd of the children are diagnosed with Autistic Disorder and
2/3rds with ASD including Asperger’s. It is this latter larger
population that receives no government or educational support or
services based on the diagnosis.
Asperger’s has no visible outward signs and the diagnosis usually
involves time and multiple observations (there is no simple blood
test, etc.). Having a child with the disability, Carolyn recognized
the value of early intervention and a variety of supports in the
lives of children and families as having a significant and positive
impact. Due to Carolyn’s efforts there is now increasing awareness
about this disability and a place to go for help.
Thanks to her volunteerism of regular 60 hr. plus weeks and 24X7
availability, newly diagnosed families have a place to go to get
information, receive encouragement, and can look forward to a
brighter future. Over 1300 families have been served by APN and, in
addition, numerous ASD adults and their families have been supported
from as far away as Alaska. APN is a resource for many Arizona
medical and social support organizations and families are referred
by these organizations for support and information. Services include
an on-line e-group, a website with a variety of downloadable
information, monthly speakers, social events for the children and
teens, education advocacy, life coaching, professional referrals,
and a lending library.
APN was founded in 2001 and the organization was incorporated in
2003 as a not-for-profit 501(c) (3). APN acts as a resource for
educators, the medical community, and parents alike. Originally set
up to cover the Greater Phoenix region, the group has expanded to
provide statewide support. Carolyn is a much sought-after resource
for valley social and educational agencies, and government teams and
councils. Carolyn and her husband Jim provide the annual funding,
space and communication resources for the organization.
Carolyn has also been a volunteer member of both the Arizona
Department of Education’s Transition Leadership Team which is
concerned with preparing children for post-secondary education and
the Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities Legislative
Consortium. She also provides lectures and workshops to the teaching
profession including ASU College of Education students on Asperger
characteristics and how to support children with ASDs.
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Copyright 2008 Coulter Video
