Autism group to hold family picnic

Talk About Curing Autism, or TACA, will host a day of activities for families living with autism.

The organization’s 12th annual Family Picnic on May 31 will have stations open for all guests. This will include a zip line, pool, arts and crafts, bounce house and a reptile exhibit at the Irvine Ranch Outdoor and Educational Center.

The group’s, executive director, Lisa Ackerman, said she recognizes the challenges families with autism face when planning outings.

“Whether your child is afraid of latex balloons or if you worry about their severe allergies, we are here to provide an environment where this community can get out of the house and do something as a family,” Ackerman said.

Meals free of soy, gluten and casein will also be available for family members with a special diet.

“It’s a rare treat for these families to not have to bring food from home while they’re out,” Ackerman said.

In 2000, Ackerman began TACA as a small support group for parents to learn about their child’s needs. The organization now serves more than 45,000 families across the United States, providing webinars, live chats and conferences dedicated to educating the community on autism.

For the upcoming picnic, organizers expect families from California, Arizona and Nevada to attend.

TACA’s picnic will be open to all families, even those living without autism.

The Irvine Ranch Outdoor and Education Center is at 2 Irvine Park Road in Orange.

Tickets purchased online at https://www.tacanow.org are $7 for children and $12 for adults. On-site tickets during the day of the event will sell $10 for children and $15 for adults.