Dear Friends:

I am a deaf mother of a deaf son with autism. In the spring of 2006 I established the very first Autreat for Deaf and Hearing families with Deaf and/or Hearing autistic children along with my co-chairperson, Stefanie Ellis, a fellow deaf mother of a
deaf child with autism. This groundbreaking retreat was held at Camp Lakodia in South Dakota on April 7th through 9th,
2006. The Autreat was such a tremendous success in that it was truly a rewarding experience for all.  There were a
total of 22 parents, 16 children, and 8 speakers that were a part of this groundbreaking event. A great deal of information,
ideas, encouragement, and much more were shared during those few days, that could not have been possible elsewhere.

Plans for the Second Deaf Autreat that were made for the spring of 2008 have been put on hold due to the tremendous
demands put on the original committee that created the initial Deaf Autreat. The response by attendees of the Deaf
Autreat resulted in a demand for assistance and information to meet the needs of:

-Deaf autistic children of deaf parents

-Deaf autistic children of hearing parents

-Hearing autistic children of deaf parents

The Deaf Autreat Committee needs to restructure the original goals and priorities to meet the above needs mandated
by the attendees of the first conference.  The committee also is in the process of working with the American Society
of Autism (ASA) to obtain collaborative support as groups with mutual interests.  Therefore, the second Deaf Autreat
conference plans will be announced at later date.

The logo as seen on homepage was designed by a Deaf parent of a Deaf autistic child that participated in the Autreat. 
The sign that is being made in this picture is the new official sign for autism.  The hand that is going inside symbolizes
the autistic person’s inclination to be engaged within the own self, and the cupped hand represents his world, or a
protective layer, where the autistic person retreats.  The sign also represents “inclusion and involvement” in which the
autistic individual serves as a reminder of how vital it is to give and receive love and attention, which are essential to
humanity.

Please feel to contact me at deafautism@hotmail.com for more information about Deaf Autreat.

With warm regards,

Rosangela Jaech

Deaf Autreat Chair