Northwest Iowa — April is Autism Awareness Month.
One of the founders of the Northwest Iowa Autism Network, Greg Rasch, tells us that unfortunately, they’ve had to cancel their Autism Walk again this year.
(as said) “Number one is just safety for our families and for the kiddos. So we had to make the decision to hold off on this year’s walk but already starting to think about next year’s and that certainly hasn’t slowed down just the work that we’re doing to serve families anyway.”
He says their sponsors continue to be great.
(as said) “I think when they kind of understand that the mission and the needs for these families that just for the types of things especially that fall between the cracks between, you know, the expenses to get to doctors appointments and the time families have to take off in order to make some of these some of the sacrifices that are required our donor-sponsors have just really seemed to understand that very well and just continue to step up even despite not having our walk.”
He tells us their message to families touched by autism is one of solidarity.
(as said) “Our big message every day and especially through Autism Awareness Month is just to know that you’re not alone… that there’s other families that look just like yours where life can be pretty messy and pretty crazy. But know that you’re not in it alone and there’s other families right in there alongside you.”
And to others, Rasch says their message is a request for patience and respect.
(as said) “People certainly want to be open and I think by the time you recognize the situation, sometimes you’re a few seconds into it and a family with autism and a child with autism sometimes can create some pretty awkward situations Sometimes uncomfortable. I guess the biggest message would just be to be gracious, to keep an open mind for what that kiddo may be struggling through and maybe not even struggling. Sometimes you hear some unusual sounds or some arm motions and things that for the young person with autism that they’re just… that’s how they kind of manage their emotions and feelings and to deal with their situations and to just be to be gracious and considerate.”
Rasch says if you have a child on the autism spectrum or if you’d just like to learn more, you can check out the Northwest Iowa Autism Network on their Facebook page.
