Healthy Living

New Family-Developed Fair Strengthens People Affected by Autism

family developed strengthens by autism

New Family-Developed Fair Strengthens People Affected by Autism

Any parent cannot deny that parenting is a tough job. It is a part of life that for many people is simultaneously exciting, terrifying, and rewarding. It is something that couples anticipate with happiness and anxiety. It is not without its challenges, and no amount of preparation will ensure that parenting will go smoothly all the time. There is always the unexpected, and for some, this can amplify the challenge.

Parents of children with autism have unique concerns. One parent from Staten Island, NY, describes how parenting his child is a different experience from what other people encounter in parenthood. 

In order to destigmatize the autism spectrum disorder, James Grosso, father of a five-year-old boy and his family is working towards it. They face multilevel challenges. They explain the difficulties they face in being in public and the difficulties they face watching others struggling to understand and accept their sons behaviour.  Since people are not aware that his son has autism spectrum disorder, people in public often respond with judgement when his son has a meltdown.

Recently a special needs resource fair was started by Grosso and his wife Adrienne. Representatives from various organizations whose goal was to improve the child’s development communicated with the parents of children on the spectrum. Due to diagnosis the tasks that were difficult to accomplish some organization also assisted in those tasks. To seek out resources the fair provided an important opportunity. A huge role in helping such parents get through the daily stress of parenthood is feeling supported and knowing that resources are available, knowing that they are not alone and they can cope with the ups and downs in life.

For children inclusive of all abilities, a gym known as ‘we rock the spectrum’ is designed. It consists of various sensory equipments. In order to improve the sensory functions of kids with sensory processing disorder this equipment has been introduced. At their gym this family held their fair, so that the children could gather utilize and play at the gym and at the same time the parents could gather information and form a network.

For children with autism, socialization is very important and a lot of organizations offer this. In order to promote solutions for people on the spectrum, one such organization that offers help is Autism Speaks. Raising awareness and helping the general public understand the condition and give their support and acceptance is their goal. Also research on autism is funded by some organizations.

In Staten Island another organization is good vibes music therapy. To people throughout the island it delivers music. They address cognitive, social, physical, communication skill and also help in achieving overall better quality life. The music therapy session is individual as well as group. To help people with variety of conditions, music and other types of art therapy is also available. An interactive creative therapy could be beneficial for people with sensory processing disorder.

In New York another non profit organization is G.R.A.C.E. Individuals affected by ASD are helped by them by offering programs.  These programs are offered in areas such as socialization, recreation, performing arts and creative arts. In order to help individuals and families adjust with the daily needs it also offers in home services. It enhances equality for people with ASD and commits to educate others about it. In two different ways families can benefit. For other families dealing with AD they can participate in making positive changes and also receive help and support. The fair was open to kids of all ages and abilities. To enhance children various social skills and destigmatize, this fair was a great way.

The fair held by Grosso gave families with ASD opportunity to get involved in various ways. They could support various organizations. One such event that families could sign up for was autism walk.