KCLV News Story: Grant a Gift Autism Foundation Ackerman Center
World Autism Day is on April 2, 2022, and celebrations take place throughout the entire month to raise awareness and advocate for the rights of those with autism around the world.
A local nonprofit in Las Vegas works to help families facing challenges with autism. The Grant a Gift Autism Foundation Ackerman Center and the UNLV School of Medicine jointly opened the center for autism in 2016, and since then has served more than 6,000 families facing challenges with autism.
Brian Hager, President of Grant a Gift, says part of the mission is to help the underinsured.
“So many centers out there don’t do this,” Hager said. “This is why we are here, because autism knows no boundaries as far as socio-economic status.”
The center provides comprehensive care for children of all ages with autism. It’s also a place where parents can find community resources and support. Cheryle Martinez brings her 4-year-old daughter to the center. Her daughter, Janelle, was diagnosed with autism when she was just a year old. Cheryle knew something was wrong when Janelle stopped talking, making eye contact and wouldn’t respond to her name anymore. This is when Cheryle found out about the center.
“I don’t know what I would do without the help we receive here,” Martinez said. “They are all so sweet. I can call them anytime, with any question. It’s nice to know if I need anything, I have them.”
Cheryle is grateful for the progress her daughter has made, especially because she can now communicate with her.
“Janelle points to things she wants, her social skills have improved, and she even plays with her siblings,” Martinez said.
Hager added that he loves seeing the progress made by the children. “Here we help the community and the children living in our community,” Hager said. “We aren’t just getting patients in and out of the door. It’s about changing their lives for the long term.”