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The Autism Gap: The fight for insurance

The Autism Gap: The fight for insurance

ATLANTA -- Eight year old Ava Bullard is playing with her sisters, riding their bikes on their long country driveway. It is a simple act that defies those who said she would never talk, those who said she wouldn't function in the real world.

Ava was not a typical baby, or toddler.

Her mother Anna says, "You couldn't interact with her."

MORE | Complete coverage of The Autism Gap

Ava did not play with toys. Did not speak. Could not dress herself. Did not interact with her parents or sisters. Slept two hours a night. She was in her own world.

Anna says, "It's like she looked straight through me. She would just...it's like you weren't there, if you were in the room with her."

Anna Bullard took Ava from doctor to doctor for months. One doctor told the family Ava was 'just weird.'

Monkey Joe's holding birthday celebration

Monkey Joe's holding birthday celebration

ATLANTA -- Monday is the birthday of Monkey Joe, namesake of the popular indoor bounce house venues.

To celebrate, Monkey Joe's is offering plenty of family fun, including reduced admission prices, all day.

On Feb. 18, entry into every Monkey Joe's location is only $5. The first 100 children at each facility will be treated to a free pizza party, and the first 75 children will be given birthday party goodie bags.

"Monkey Joe's birthday party provides us an opportunity to thank our loyal customers for their continued support of Monkey Joe's locations across the country," Monkey Joe's brand manager Sonny Crumpton said in a statement. "As a way to honor the families that visit Monkey Joe's time and again, we wanted to show our appreciation with discounted admission and special treats and events, which we believe both children and their parents will enjoy."

Fulton County schools set hardship transfer application deadline

Fulton County schools set hardship transfer application deadline

FULTON COUNTY -- For parents planning to apply for a 2013-14 hardship transfer, or to renew current hardship to another elementary, middle or high school in Fulton County, applications will be available January 4, with the deadline for submitting them on February 15, by 4:30 p.m. 

Forms are available online, on the Fulton County School's "Parents" page. Here, parents can print off the form and sign it, then deliver it to the Fulton County Schools' Student Assignment Office, c/o Meadows Operations Center at 5270 Northfield Blvd. College Park, GA 30349. The form can be faxed to the same address at (404) 763-5547.

Flu vaccine available at Fulton County health centers

Flu vaccine available at Fulton County health centers

ATLANTA -- Flu season is here. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), now is the time to make sure you're protected. The agency says flu season is ramping up early this year - for the first time in almost a decade and Fulton County Health Services encourages residents (ages 6 months and older) to protect themselves and their families by getting vaccinated. Vaccines are available at six health centers from 8:00am – 4:00pm through the Fulton County Department of Health and Wellness.

Residents can get the flu vaccine or the nasal mist (age 2 to 49 years) for $25.  Visa and Master Card (credit and debit), Medicaid, Cigna, United Health care and cash are accepted forms of payment.

Lighting of the Square to be held Dec. 1

Lighting of the Square to be held Dec. 1

ROSWELL, Ga. -- Nothing says Christmas in Roswell quite like the annual Lighting of the Historic Town Square.

This year's event will be held Saturday, Dec. 1. The fun begins at 5 p.m. with refreshments, choral performances and even a visit from Santa Claus himself.

RELATED | 11Alive celebrates Roswell

Santa's Secret Gift Shop will open at 6 p.m. Children are invited to accompany Santa's elves to the shop and pick out the perfect gifts for their parents and friends.

The gift shop is located at the Roswell Adult Recreation Center on Grimes Bridge Road. A free shuttle will ferry shoppers between the shop and the Square.

For more information about the Square lighting, call 770-641-3950.

Tips for Kindergarten Parents

Tips for Kindergarten Parents

Where did the time go? Wasn't it yesterday that you brought the baby home from the hospital? It's back to school time again and for those sending a child to kindergarten, it can be quite emotional... for parents anyway. Kindergarten is a special time and you'll begin seeing pay off on your hard work over the past 5 years. For most this will be the first full school day, the first year to ride the school bus, the first year to have homework, and the first year when peer influences begin to play a role.

NY Times Best Selling Author, Emily Giffin!

Atlanta resident and New York Times Best selling author, Emily Giffin stopped by our Get Connected Studios to talk about her new book, "Where We Belong", how and why she writes and more! Find out what she hates!  Meet Emily at her book signing in Buckhead July 27th. Get details at www.emilygiffin.com/calendar.php