About Us Too

Mission Statement

Us Too Center is dedicated to providing a warm environment for children with developmental delays and disabilities and their families to receive a range of

therapeutic and recreational activities to meet their individual needs all in one location.

Needs Statement

Community Indicators 2008, prepared by the Orange County, California Business Council, show 3 to 5 % of children in Orange County have ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyper Activity). The U.S. Census Bureau published a report in 2007 stating nearly 10,000 children ages 5 to 15 living in Orange County, California have been professionally diagnosed with autism, Down syndrome or some form of developmental disability.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, more than 1 in 150 children are diagnosed as having an Autism Spectrum Disorder. In 2009 Autism Speaks reports 1 in 110 children, 1 in 70 boys are diagnosed as having an Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Autism Society of America reports

1 percent of the population of children in the U.S. ages 3-17 have an autism spectrum disorder.

1 to 1.5 million Americans live with an autism spectrum disorder.

Fastest-growing developmental disability; 1,148% growth rate.

These children endure stigmatization and/or bullying on a daily basis. Many are emotionally shattered; most have a poor self-image and ALL are vulnerable. In addition, many of the children need specific occupational, physical, speech and behavior therapy. Some of these services are provided in the school district, but not all, not always, and often minimal. Also, attempts to provide services in school settings lead to further separation and stigmatization in “Special” classes, while these children are routinely avoided by youth service agencies because of the difficulties involved and specialized training that is required to provide effective service.

Children with high-functioning disabilities benefit from supplemental therapy to make steady progress. A major problem, however, is the cost of these services.

At the same time, these children have an almost superhuman resilience and represent a vast store of potential that, if channeled in positive ways, can greatly benefit society.

Overall Vision

Us Too Center provides a warm environment for children with developmental delays and disabilities to receive a range of therapeutic and recreational activities all under one roof.

Overall Goal

Us Too Center has a staff consisting of a speech therapist, occupational therapist, physical therapist, clinical psychologist, behavior analyst and therapists who provide assessments and ongoing treatment for children with developmental delays and disabilities.

The center provides toddlers and children to age nineteen of any ethnicity an opportunity to learn, develop and have fun in an atmosphere that suits their specific needs, while providing a comfortable environment for both parent/caregiver and child.

Board Members

Program Director/Founder

Dena Lusardi

mdlusardi@cox.net

Board of Directors

Executive Director/Chairman

Vicky Simpson

rvsimpson@verizon.net

Chief Financial Officer

Kathy Mathieu

bobkatmat@verizon.net

Director