The RT (Reece Trahan) Autism Awareness Foundation is an organization devoted to making people aware of Autism and the effects it has on children and their families.

The diagnosis of Autism is an emotional one for families, and the RT Autism Awareness Foundation wants people to know that they are not alone. It is the organization's desire and dedication to promote events for Autism Awareness so that present and future children along with their families who face this battle will have strong support.

Reece Trahan

Brad Trahan, Reece's father recently wrote, "Reece is just an adorable young man.  As parents-it hurts so much not being able to hear your child say, "I love you dad and mom" but Reece now shows us in another way.  Just before his 4th birthday, we were able to teach Reece, "Give hug".  We get on our knees and say to Reece in simple words, "Give Hug"-Reece runs to you and snuggles his face to yours and will also put his arms around you.  It darn near brings me (Brad) to tears each time."

"Reece is such a strong young boy.  He works so hard to improve the quality of his life.  Although he is non-verbal, immediate family, relatives and friends have all learned through Reece that we never must take life for granted.  Reece has taught us not to get so caught up in the hustle of every day life-enjoy today.  We are fortunate we do not have this neurological brain disorder.  But most importantly, Reece has showed us that even with his disability, given the chance, he can improve the quality of his life.  Reece has taught us that we need to give every autistic child "The Chance".  That's all we would want isn't it?"

RTAAF is working towards several goals: building a facility for permanent living for our autistic children, a summer and after school program to offer autistic children proper care while their parents are at work, and many others.

RT Autism Awareness Foundation's Wish List

• Various toys for autistic children.  Part of ABA Therapy is imitation techniques, matching cards, you name it.
• Digital Cameras for families of autistic children.  Again-part of ABA Therapy, especially if a child is non-verbal, is to take real photos of objects and things in your home so your child recognizes them and can do picture exchange with you.
• Donations for Medic Alert Bracelets. Many autistic children are non-verbal and autistic children deal with their local police 10 times more often than children without disabilities.  Reece's Medic Alert Bracelet says, "Severe Autism, Non-Verbal" and provides a telephone number to call with Reece's ID on it.  We would love to fund this for families to get their children identified on their person.
• Anything Kathie Lee's fans can give.

Brad Trahan describes a typical need and the actions RTAAF is taking. "I just spoke with a mom about one-month ago and they had to take a 2nd Mortgage on their home for $60,000 so they could get their son 6-months, yes-only 6-months of therapy because insurance will not cover it (as is the case w/Reece).  They have no clue what they will due after that 6-months.  This is why this Foundation is working so hard with U.S. Senator Norm Coleman (R) Minnesota as he is the Co-Sponsor of the Mental Health Parity Bill.  We need to get this bill passed in Washington. Since autism falls in with-in the Mental Health Code, we will make sure no more insurance companies will be able to turn our children and families down.  We must do this-70% of our mom's and dad's with autistic children end their marriage in divorce.  We MUST and WILL change that for these families."