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News
April 25, 2006
For immediate release
Robert & Lynn Koegel of the UCSB Koegel Autism Research & Training Center receive an Autism Perspective Hearts ‘N Arts Autism Awareness Award
Drs. Robert and Lynn Kogel of the Koegel Autism Research & Training Center were honored with an Autism Perspective Hearts ‘N Arts Autism Awareness Award for excellence in collaboration and service in autism. The award was given at a gala affair hosted by John Schneider (of TV’s Dukes of Hazzard and Smallville) and his wife Elly.
The major goals of the UC-Santa Barbara Koegel Autism Research & Training Center are increasing our understanding of autism spectrum disorders, the development and implementation of state-of-the-art pivotal response treatments, as well as the improvement of elementary and secondary education efforts for children with autism and other severe disabilities. The center’s primary interests lie in research and training (both pre-service and in-service), focusing on family support and on the education of children with autism in community environments and classrooms with their typically developing peers.
Dr. Robert Koegel says, “This was a very exciting event. In addition to prominent actors, such as John Schneider, and producers such as Joey Travolta [co-director of the new documentary about autism Normal People Scare Me], a number of very successful individuals who happened to have autism were present. Lynn and I were extremely excited to be in an environment where people with autism’s strengths were being discussed, in contrast to many environments where only weaknesses are talked about. That aspect of the event completely overshadowed our excitement about receiving the award.”
The Autism Perspective is a magazine dedicated to supporting people whose lives have been touched by Autism Spectrum Disorders. The magazine was founded upon the passionate philosophy that those living with and treating Autism Spectrum Disorders and Pervasive Developmental Disorders should have a single resource that presents the full perspective of options to encourage and inspire us and make every family feel a little less alone in its struggles, hopes and dreams. At the event Autism Perspective also gave award to Lisa Ackerman, executive director of Talk about Curing Autism Now, Izzy and Danielle Paskowitz, founders of the autism surf camp Surfers Healing, and Dr. Bruce Hensel of NBC4 for his one-hour report Autism: The Hidden Epidemic.
Photo caption:
Keri Bowers (left) of Pause4Kids, a non-profit dedicated to enriching the lives of children with special needs in Southern California, presents an Autism Perspective Hearts ‘N Arts Autism Awareness Award to Drs. Lynn and Robert Koegel (second from right and right) of The Koegel Autism Center at UC Santa Barbara as Autism Perspective publisher Nicki Fischer looks on.