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When Susan Hansen's son was diagnosed with autism eight years ago, she didn't know where to turn for help.
The Indianapolis woman and her husband, Mike, had to learn about the disorder and fight battles with educators and legislators on their own.
Now, Hansen is the driving force behind a new Autism Coalition she hopes will make the struggle easier for other Hoosiers.
She said the nonprofit coalition will be a resource center -- providing advocacy, mentoring, educational help and hope -- and a unified voice for families. It will begin operating next month in office space shared with The ARC of Indiana at 22 E. Washington St.
"There are a lot of things you have to struggle with when you have a child with autism," said Hansen.
"I want things to be better for the next guy in line who gets that diagnosis -- and for their kid. I don't want them to have to waste the years that I did."
To help fund the group's estimated $80,000 budget, a new Sertoma club is being started with autism as its service project. An organizational meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday at East Sertoma Camp, 2316 S. German Church Road.
Hansen said anyone interested in helping children affected by autism -- characterized by concentration problems, repetitive behavior and an inability to interact socially -- is urged to attend.
The coalition's primary fund raising will be weekly bingo games the new club will hold at the camp.
"Some people may not feel comfortable working with educators or lobbying the General Assembly, but just about anybody can help with a bingo game," said Sertoma East member Alex Murphy, the father of an autistic child.
"This is a way for aunts and uncles, grandparents and friends and neighbors to do something that can really make a difference. And except for a few minor expenses, 100 percent of the proceeds will go to the coalition."
For details on the coalition and new Sertoma club, contact Hansen at 1-317-823-1431 or smhansen1@comcast.net.
The East club will make its facility and equipment available at no cost to the new club, Murphy said.
Call Star reporter Tim Evans at 1-317-444-6204.
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