Murphys, CA…The Calaveras County Chamber of Commerce helped celebrate the tenth anniversary of Mind Matters at its monthly mixer held at the clinic on April 20. Mind Matters, a non-profit clinic located in Murphys, is dedicated to helping individuals and families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders (ADHD), and learning disabilities, in achieving their maximum potential. It also strives to promote public understanding by serving as a community resource.

Although its reputation draws clients from all over Northern California, the clinic primarily serves families in Amador, Calaveras, and Tuolumne counties. Mind Matters was founded in 2007 out of necessity by Ryan Thompson, M.D. and his wife Kim. “When our son, Mitch, was diagnosed with Autism in 2001, my wife and I experienced the anxiety that all parents in a similar situation go through,” says Thompson. “Even though I had been practicing medicine for many years, we were not equipped to deal with the complex issues that accompany such a diagnosis.

“In seeking help, we soon discovered there were virtually no services available in Amador, Calaveras, and Tuolumne counties to meet the many challenges we faced as a family with an autistic child. Without support for us as parents dealing with the impact of this heartbreaking disorder we were left with feelings of hopelessness and frustration.

“Thankfully, we had the education, resources and resolve to tackle the challenge. We resolved to not only discover ways we could help Mitch, and us, but to establish a clinic to make it possible for others to benefit from our efforts. Out of this resolve was born Mind Matters, a multidisciplinary treatment center to meet the needs of families struggling with Autism Spectrum Disorders, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and Learning Disabilities.

“Families can now turn to our highly trained professional staff for diagnosis and treatment, learning assessments and interventions, social skills development, counseling, education and support. The results have been very rewarding.”

Thompson is the clinic’s Medical Director.

The Chamber mixers are designed to familiarize members with the many elements of the county that make it so special. In an informal setting, members may network while enjoying local wines and tasty snacks. There is a ten-dollar charge for two drink tickets. Raffle tickets are sold separately.

Mind Matters is located at 150 Big Trees Road adjacent to the Murphys Post Office.
####