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    EGF News

    Who is EGF?

    The Eddie Guardado Foundation (EGF), through Ava’s Friends, funds individual families affected by Autism by reducing their out of pocket expenses for therapy and treatment.

    We also join with other similar groups in lobbying Washington as well as State governments on behalf of these families in the hope that more can be done through MedicAid and private insurance to see that every child with Autism can get access to proven treatments.

    Grants from EGF paid directly to identified caregivers on behalf of each family provide direct relief by offsetting the costs of existing treatment plans or by providing access to care they’ve never been able to afford.

Volunteer

We have ongoing needs for volunteers with many skills. Some examples of volunteer needs are:

  • Office/Administrative Needs (filing, stuffing envelopes, organizing, errand running)
  • Event Administration (check-in/check out at events, set up and break down, selling merchandise)
  • PR/Marketing (research, writing, graphic design, media outreach)
  • If you have even a little time, believe in our Mission and you'd like to join our team, contact us at information@eddieguardadofoundation.org. You don't need to live in Southern California. We have needs and events all across the country.

    We will review your email and contact you regarding future volunteer opportunities. Thank you in advance. We are grateful for your time and talents.

      Thank You

      Thank you for your support. Your donation directly supports children and families affected by Autism by giving them greater access to much needed treatment and therapy through the Eddie Guardado Foundation and Ava's Friends.

      To donate by check, donate a small amount every month or for helpful tax information and donation options, please see the Donations page.

      To donate a single time online now, click the button below and follow the instructions:

      Questions? Call 714-442-3535 or email us at The Eddie Guardado Foundation

    Advisory Council

    The Eddie Guardado Foundation is building an Advisory Council. Comprised of experts in their respective fields of education, law, government, insurance or medicine, EGF's Advisory Council members will be reporting and commenting on their specialty and how it relates to Autism and its treatment.

    If you are interested in being part of the Council, email us here and let us know.

    The only requirements beyond your expert knowledge are that you be passionate about our Mission and be willing to post at least one article on this site every month.

    The EGF Advisory Council will also meet periodically to discuss current events, news and information relevant to improving the lives of families affected by Autism. We are both thankful and excited to assemble a team of talented individuals united in helping build hope for these children, one piece at a time.

    Thank You, -Lisa & Eddie Guardado

    Ava's Friends

    featuredimage Vanderbilt starts autism helpline

    It turns out Vanderbilt University shares our mission of helping families deal with Autism. So we recognize their new help ...

    Special Needs Photography

    Ana Brandt of Ana Brandt Photography in Tustin, California recently received her certificate from the Special Kids Photography Association (SPKPA). ...

    Education

    Parents file petition to force hearing on schools’ autism program

    By Jeff Yates
    For Laurie, a mother of a child with autism, all she wants to do is hear her son’s voice once more.
    “My son, two years ago, was making real progress, talking,” she said choking back tears.
    But then, his program in the Wilton schools fell apart, she said, the word “regression” became a constant fear [...]

    Insurance

    Autism treatment to be covered in Florida

    TALLAHASSEE, Fla., (UPI) — Autism treatment will now be covered by private health insurance companies, a proposal passed by the Florida Legislature says.
    The Miami Herald reported Saturday the Steven A. Geller Autism Coverage Act passed by the state Legislature this week will require all private insurance groups to cover autism medical aid.
    House Speaker Marco Rubio [...]

    Government

    Autism ruling pleases parents

    The patchwork of private, state and federal assistance can be bewildering to the parents of children with Autism. It’s nice to see that common sense is applied once in a while by those in power. This article by Alan Johnson of the Columbus Dispatch illustrates what happens when the kids are put first - even [...]

    Coping

    Sons with autism teach family, friends compassion, empathy

    We have all witnessed the typical grocery store meltdown. A small child begs for a new toy or bag of candy. The parent says no. Suddenly the child is kicking and screaming on the ground, back arched, full tantrum mode. The terrible twos. We’ve all been there. In fact, among parents, it is almost expected.
    What [...]

    Treatments/Therapy

    Language abilities in autistic speakers

    Canadian researchers suggest “not getting” some things need not keep those with autism from using language well.
    It had been assumed many individuals with autism spectrum disorder, or ASD, have problems with what linguists call “pragmatics” because they have difficulties in social situations — especially in responding to metaphor, irony, sarcasm and to what is presumed [...]

    Alternative Strategies

    Study: Horseback Riding Good For Kids With Autism

    Reporting: Cynthia Demos
    SOUTHWEST MIAMI-DADE (CBS4) ― One in 150 kids is diagnosed with some form of autism and the numbers are growing. But the University of Miami, in conjunction with Good Hope Equestrian Training Center in South Miami-Dade, just wrapped up a research project that found children with autism improve with therapeutic horseback riding. 
    The project focused [...]

    Research/Medical

    Autism and Lyme Disease are Connected?

    One of the more disturbing issues with Autism is that there is no known cause, which makes finding a cure for the disorder all the more problematic. However, research is continuing and in one case, a number of groups feel they make have happened upon once such connection. The following is taken from a recent [...]