ALLISON RUPP Star-Tribune staff writer | Posted: Tuesday, April 24, 2007 12:00 am
A new mom attended the Casper Autism Society's April meeting, looking for advice.
Her 2-year-old son, who had just been diagnosed with autism, loves to play on the Eastridge Mall playground.
Sometimes, because he is so excited to play, his hands start flapping uncontrollably, a trait of some children with autism.
"Parents pull their children away from him," this concerned mother said. "They think, 'Oh, he's the crazy kid. Get him away.'
"But he just has the biggest smile on his face. He's just happy."
Mothers Christy Garner, Judi Moore and Bonnie Wilson nodded as they listened to the all-too-familiar story.
Each has a child with autism.
All three have experienced the hurt caused when members of the Casper community do not understand their child.
Unsolicited parenting advice, mean glares, annoyed sighs and rolled eyes are part of trips to public places for these parents and their children with autism.
One time, 4-year-old Josie Garner had a "meltdown" in the grocery store, because it was too noisy and crowded. Children with autism have sensory problems and sometimes cannot handle changes in scenery, loud noises or fast movements.
"It was 40 minutes in the grocery with her screaming," Christy Garner said. "She wasn't going to recover, but I needed groceries."
A woman came up to her and suggested Josie needed a nap.
The frustration built inside Christy.
"I am brave enough now," she said. "When someone reacts to her I say, 'No, she has a disability and this is how she reacts to new environments.'"
Even with their disabilities, these children have the potential to do great things if they receive the therapy they need and a lot of patience from outsiders.
Parents of these children look at them as nothing less than a "blessing" - instead of the "naughty child" people see acting out in the grocery store or the "crazy kid" people see flapping in the park.
They shared their stories in hopes of increasing awareness about autism in the community.