April is National Autism Awareness Month celebrated through presidential/congressional declarations and widespread events. In hometowns such as Bridgeport, the awareness day is likewise celebrated.

 

The whole point, said Carol Ford, Corridor Chapter of Autism Society of West Virginia, is to help connect the pieces to a puzzling disorder; one affecting one in every 68 births and a total of 1 to 1.5 million Americans. The focus of the awareness is two-fold, said Ford, former parent resource coordinator for the Autism Training Center.

 

“I think, more than anything, it makes parents aware that there are other people in the same boat as them. Their situation may not be exactly the same, but it is still support for those parents, especially those just finding out their children have autism,” she said. “The other side is the fact that there are still people out there who don’t understand – or they want to know more about it. With April being Autism Awareness Month, it helps move that understanding forward.”

 

The autism spectrum disorder is the fastest-growing developmental disability, increasing at an alarming 1,148 percent growth rate.

 

That is attributable, Ford said, to a couple of different reasons.

 

“Some people argue that there is better diagnosis and, granted, that is part of it. But I think it’s mostly a conglomerate of several assaults that happen to our children – all the artificial components in our food, the pesticides and chemicals we use in our homes,” she said. “Think about it. We used to grow our own food and didn’t use all the plastics and technology and unfortunately for these kids who have a low immune system – who can’t get rid of a lot of the bad things that go into their bodies – it ends up hurting them not only neurologically, but also physically. A lot of these kids have problems with their stomachs or they are hyperactive or the opposite – have low activity. It’s just amazing when you start looking at all those things.”

 

With its mantra, “Making a difference one child at a time,” the Corridor Chapter is hosting a couple of local fundraising/awareness events.

 

Throughout the month of April, 15 percent of the cost of meals purchased at Bob Evans restaurant will be donated to the organization; those proceeds helping to fund social opportunities and support through events and other outreach efforts. The coupon below must accompany dine-in or carry-out orders. 

 

A large percentage of active families are from the Bridgeport/Clarksburg area, but The Corridor Chapter of AS-WV serves families in Harrison, Barbour, Doddridge, Lewis, Marion, Monongalia and Taylor Counties. The organization hosts a number of events including a June kick-off picnic and annual Walk for Autism in October. In August, the organization will work with Casey’s ATA to offer the basics of Taekwondo to children on the autism spectrum. Another interactive program is the swimming challenge for children affected by autism, held at the YMCA of Harrison County. The second annual program will be up and running April 27 through May 18 with four Sunday sessions running 2-3 p.m. Deadline for participation is April 20. Registration can be made at corridorchapterwv@gmail.com or by calling 304-677-4695 or 304-669-6948.

 

In the past, the swimming challenge has been very well received.

 

“Some kids in the program don’t know how to swim or some can swim, but need the social interaction. Some need to learn a better stroke, but can’t do that through basic instruction because the instructor doesn’t understand autism,” Ford said. “(Through this program,) the kids are provided with support so they can succeed. If a child has a meltdown and gets upset, it’s not a big deal. We don’t care. We’ve all been there and done that. This is a way these kids can learn to do things that other kids do.”

 

Through the Corridor Chapter of the WV-AS, families participate in events free of charge. That’s where fundraising is key, Ford said. In addition to activities mentioned above, the organization has planned trips to the Carnegie Science Center in Pittsburgh and this June, will be traveling to Pittsburgh Zoo.

 

Meetings provide parents with important networking opportunities during which they can share therapies that have been beneficial. Every situation is unique and finding the therapy that works for a particular child is like finding the right puzzle piece, Ford said.

 

“Gluten-free diets help some kids and some do oxygen treatments in hyperbaric chambers, getting more oxygen into the system to help alleviate infections. Some kids react well to pressure and they see a chiropractor,” she said. “There are a lot of different therapies out there and you have to find the right one for your child.”

 

The parents of 16-year-old Conner, Bridgeport's Carol and Brad Ford send appreciation to the community for supporting the organization and the children affected by autism. Look for a feature on Conner coming this weekend on Connect-Bridgeport.