By Stephen Smoot
Saturday morning brought sunny skies with a stiff breeze pushing the fair weather clouds by. Leaves have started emerging from their buds in earliest in the South Branch River Valley. And at one of the most tranquil spots along that river, families and resource providers gathered at the Autism Walk.
At 10 a.m., vendors and resource providers battled the breeze as they set up. The atmosphere remained that of fun and fellowship.
“We’ve got the bouncy house, carnival games. Highway 304 is here,” shared Tricia Poe. Through Eastern Action’s Family Support Centers, Poe helped to organize the day. Alongside the fun, a number of vendors set up whose work is more serious.
Poe explained that the event is “very important” because “we need the community to understand, to accept us and help us when we are out in the community.”
Families formed the foundation of the event. Parents and children went from booth to booth, many making their way to the family-friendly recreation. In much of the world, as organizers explained, parents and caregivers maintain apprehension at the possible reaction to their child experiencing normal behaviors of autism. Here, there was no fear of judgment and all could relax in community together.
Everywhere one turned at the event, including the official path for the walk, signs explained a challenge faced by autistic people and those who care for them. One explained “stimming” as physical activity meant “to channel and manage excess energy and self-soothe.”
Another noted that “The autism spectrum is not linear. The autism spectrum is complex.” The first sign on the “walk” path described the nature of autistic meltdowns and shutdowns. As Poe explained, these educational notices should help others in the community offer grace and empathy should a person with autism display unconventional behaviors.
These included Jones Healthcare, which provides services for families taking care of seniors at home. Potomac Highlands Guild operated multiple tables, each of which spotlighted a different set of services from the organization.
Samantha Kerns shared information about the Jobs and Hope program with PHG. It provides opportunities to obtain training and other support for those trying to build job employment into a good paying career. Those in the program get assigned to a transition agent to help them navigate their way to success.
PHG offerings also included assistance for those transitioning from incarceration back into life and also access to a Medicaid program “for individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.”
Ryan Runion manned the table for the Hardy County Family Support Center, where he serves as director. Runion related that “it’s critical to the community for the families to be out with other children on the autism spectrum.” Events such as this not only inform the public but also create a safe space.
The Family Support Center also offers regular opportunities for families dealing with autism to interact and share. Parents, grandparents, guardians, or other caregivers can get together to share both joys and struggles, learn more about autism strategies, and enjoy some respite. Children get to play nearby, apart enough to provide respite, but close enough for safety and security.
As Poe stated, however, the goal of enhancing understanding remains critical. “If they (those not as exposed to autism) don’t understand what we’re going through” they may be less likely to offer empathy and support.
