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Published on 12/22/1997 All articles from this issue

LAH mom honored for work on autism

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By Joanne Griffith Domingue / Town Crier Staff Writer

Los Altos Hills mother Connie Frenzel was honored Dec. 10 by Parents Helping Parents for her efforts on behalf of persons with disabilities.

The Santa Clara-based Parents Helping Parents is a family resource center that helps children with special needs receive the love, hope, respect, health care, education and other resources they need to reach their full potential, said a spokeswoman with the organization. And they do this with parents who help parents.

"Connie has been the main facilitator of the autism group at Parents Helping Parents since it began five years ago," said Rachana Patel of the parent-based organization.

"Her monthly educational meetings for the parents of autistic children feature world-renowned figures in the realm of autism."

She also draws on locally known speech and occupational therapists and physicians who focus on medical or educational intervention for autism.

"Connie believes that the children can be helped if their parents are helped first by arming them with the latest information," Patel said.

Frenzel was honored with the Valley of Hearts Outstanding Volunteer Award that is presented annually by the Friends of Parents Helping Parents.

Frenzel has a 12-year-old and a child with special needs, as well as a husband with a demanding career, said Diane Gulyas, director of development with the organization.

"Given all this, Connie is still able to volunteer her time," Gulyas said.

Frenzel, along with six others, was honored at the organization's 13th annual awards dinner that was held Dec. 10.

For more information about Parents Helping Parents, call 1 (408) 727-5775.