Support group raises funds for Chino Valley students with autism

It's been more than a year since the Rasmussens of Chino Hills began a mission to help support the educational needs of autistic children in the area.

Since then, Nicole and Ryan Rasmussen, with the help of friends and donors, have raised about $28,000 toward educational tools and teacher training for autistic children in the Chino Valley school district.

The Rasmussens named their support group Cameron's Cause, in honor of their son, Cameron, 6, who was diagnosed with autism at the age of 2. The Rasmussen's say children like Cameron need the additional support.

Children with autism often have difficulty with communication and social skills. Rasmussen said autistic students are very visual and many of the items purchased through fund-raising are visual learning aids.

"Since autism has increased in the last five years, students need help above and beyond their regular education School Districts have had to implement a special education autism program. They're doing as much as they can, but because of the budget and a lack of funds, the teachers get a bare minimum of curriculum and they need other resources for curriculum to aid what they're doing."

Cameron's Cause has provided the district with teaching aids that range from visual books, rubber stamps and Play-Doh to digital cameras and photo printers.

Money raised through donations also goes toward teacher training. This past September, Cameron's Cause paid for autism education training for four teachers from Country Springs, Rolling Ridge and Eagle Canyon Elementary school.

"It's really important that the teachers do the best they can," Rasmussen said. "The teachers do an amazing job and the program is very important. They work really hard to support the students and they continue to do their job and get these kids ready to go into the real world."
Denise Gonzales is Cameron's teacher at Country Springs Elementary School.

"It's great that we have a parent that goes out of their way to take their time to put together such a great organization," she said. "It raises money not only for my class but other autism programs in the district."

There are currently 245 students in the Chino School District diagnosed with autism, said district spokeswoman Julie Gobin.

"The District is appreciative of the generous support that Cameron's Cause gives to our students," she said.

Last year, the annual Cameron's Cause fund-raising dinner netted $25,000. Tonight, the group celebrates its second annual fund-raising dinner at the Los Serranos Country Club from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. For information on how to donate, visit www.cameronscause.com.