Quincy area autism support group announces new name and upcoming event

QUINCY, Ill. — The Quincy Area Autism Support Group is transitioning to the Quincy Medical Group Foundation with a new name — Great River Autism Connection — and mission.

In a press release, Lynnae Glascock, clinical coordinator at Quincy Medical Group and co-facilitator of Great River Autism Connection, shared, “The QMG Foundation’s additional support will allow our newly revitalized group to have better access to marketing, fundraising, business support, and community outreach. We are grateful for this opportunity.”

GRAC will be the host of its annual Autism Acceptance and Awareness Walk from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 29, 2023 at Upper Moorman Park in Quincy. This event/awareness walk brings families, caregivers, and organizations together all around the community to spread overall awareness and acceptance for those with autism.

Started by an area mom of a child with autism, GRAC moved to QMG in 2010, when QMG established its pediatric therapy department. The group since has provided families and caregivers of individuals with autism spectrum disorders a chance to learn, share and gain support from the group. The GRAC offers free events for families to connect, promote educational opportunities, and provides resources.

“In November 2022, Great River Autism Connection was able to host a free adaptive swim lessons workshop for our area swim instructors; this workshop provided those in attendance with additional tools and resources to help better connect with those on the spectrum while continuing to educate them about proper water safety and swimming technique,” said Justin Epley-Starjduhar, co-facilitator Great River Autism Connection. “The group will continue to look for, and provide, other opportunities like this that will benefit the autism community.”

For more information, visit the GRAC Facebook page.