Apr 19, 2011 3 min read

Family Behavioral Resources (FBR), the Autism Education and Research Institute (AERI) and AERI Behavioral Health Services (AERI BHS) are excited to announce their commitment to raising awareness regarding two important topics that impact the lives of so many children and families: autism and child abuse. April is recognized as Child Abuse Prevention Month and Autism Awareness Month.

Child abuse includes physical abuse, sexual abuse, neglect and emotional abuse. FBR’s Child Abuse Prevention Committee has created a month long campaign and family resource materials in support of Child Abuse Prevention Month.

?FBR, AERI and AERI BHS in collaboration with VOICe (Victim Outreach Intervention Center — Butler, PA) are distributing information and pinwheels from Prevent Child Abuse America, known as “Pinwheels for Prevention.”

All FBR offices are participating in a agency-wide contest as they display their pinwheels in creative ways!

The Center for Disease Control reports indicate that autism affects 1 in 110 American children, including 1 in every 70 boys.

Autism is a general term used to describe a group of developmental brain disorders known as Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD). These disorders are often referred to as autism spectrum disorders. FBR works in conjunction with AERI and AERI BHS with a collective vision to improve the lives of those touched by autism.

The collaborative efforts of these organizations will create the opportunity to provide a lifespan continuum of care for individuals with autism here in Pennsylvania and throughout the United States.

Family Behavioral Resources is an organization located in Pennsylvania that serves consumers across Pennsylvania. FBR has nineteen Behavioral Health Rehabilitation Services (BHRS) locations, five outpatient clinics, a Trauma Services, and Adult Autism Services offices in Cambria and Lancaster Counties.

The agency provides Specialized Autism Services in every location, serving consumers across the lifespan. FBR is an approved provider of the Pennsylvania Adult Autism Waiver, offering this service throughout the commonwealth. FBR celebrated its tenth year of service in 2009. FBR’s mission is to provide services of the highest clinical integrity to its consumers and surrounding community. Family Behavioral Resources carries accreditation from the Commission on the Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities for three of its programs.

The Autism Education and Research Institute (AERI) an organization based in Pennsylvania, is committed to providing consultative services that incorporates innovative current research in the field of autism, AERI was founded in 2009 by Rick J. Murray, LSW, BCBA and Jerry Joseph, PhD. Serving Pennsylvania, Ohio and North Carolina, AERI provides consultations, trainings, and other related services in homes, community settings and school districts. AERI partners with Family Behavioral Resources to support persons who are afforded the Pennsylvania Adult Autism Waiver.

To learn more:

AERI and AERI BHS:

Visit www.aerionline.com or visit AERI’s Facebook page (look for “Autism Education and Research Institute”)

FBR :

Visit www.familybehavioralresources.com or visit FBR’s Facebook page (look for “Family Behavioral Resources”)