A note from the founders ...

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Dear Friends,

Twenty years ago, one in 2,000 children in the U.S. were diagnosed with Autism. Today that number has skyrocketed to 1 in 91 children identified with an Autism Spectrum Disorder!

When our son, Mitch, was diagnosed with Autism in 2001, there were virtually no services available in Amador, Calaveras and Tuolumne counties to meet the many challenges we faced as a family with an autistic child. With few treatment options available, we were left with feelings of hopelessness and frustration. There was no support for us as parents dealing with the impact of this heartbreaking disorder.

Thankfully, we had the education, resources and resolve to tackle the challenge. As a result of our own frustration, and the recognition that many families in our community had similar struggles, we established Mind Matters in 2007, a 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation. Mind Matters provides a multidisciplinary treatment center to meet the needs of families struggling with Autism Spectrum Disorders, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD/ADD), and Learning Disabilities. Families can turn to us for diagnosis and treatment, learning assessments and interventions, social skills development, counseling, education and support.

Although we now offer these critical services in the Mother Lode, many families are unable to access them due to financial restraints. Though our costs for services are well below similar services elsewhere in the state, the economic slowdown and job losses locally have significantly impacted the ability of our families to continue to receive care at Mind Matters.

Mind Matters needs your help to keep our doors open to provide hope and help to these many struggling families in our community. Enclosed you will find donation information on how you can make a meaningful difference in the life of one of these children. Join with us in our effort to see that no child is turned away.

Sincerely,

Ryan Thompson MD and Kim Thompson

Click here to download our donation form