BILOXI, MS (WLOX) – Every year, a fun-filled event for autistic individuals and their families is hosted by the Mississippi Centers for Autism and Related Developmental Disabilities.
Melodie Gunter, a parent is ecstatic as she feels her son acts and feels normal with many other autistic teens around him. She also highlights the family has never missed the event in the last 5 years.
[su_quote]Outside this event, no one tries to understand what’s happening, and people tend to arrive at their own conclusion[/su_quote], says Gunter. She further adds that,
Melodie Gunter and her son, Max have never missed this event in last 5 years
The event was scheduled at Biloxi Kroc Center.
The program not helps specially abled youngsters interact with each other, but also serves as a platform for bringing parents together and develop a community feeling wherein they can socialize and freely exchange ideas.
[su_quote]Where we were seated, a young lady who was sitting next to us started by introducing herself, and enquired about our son.[/su_quote], expressed Gunter.
The mother further goes on to explain how it brings her joy to see her son running around and playing with other kids under the sun, something that his son wouldn’t normally do in other occassions.
It was Doctor Alfred McNair who spearheaded the Autism center and started it about a decade ago. Since then, with support from the community and participating parents, the institute has grown has grown leaps and bounds year on year.
And as a token of appreciation, they decided to dedicate a fun-filled day to the autistic children and their families who are associated with the institute.
When AutisMag interviewed Dr. McNair, he added that this could only be made possible with the support of the many families that are a part this family and that the fun-filled activities are being carried out way back from 2008. This year’s event, that was just being held, was the 8th event in a row.
Earlier, every year, the event was organized at a facility called E-Fitness. But this year, given the growth and popularity of the event, the institute decided to host it at the Kroc Center.
[su_quote]…and the kids and families seem to be in love with it[/su_quote], chuckles Dr. McNair.
The organizers added that the main aim of hosting such an event is to create a change for these specially-abled youngsters and allow them to socialize with their other peers, while providing the opportunity for the families to interact with each other.
I am Ash and I celebrate Neurodiversity! Growing up with an elder brother with severe Autism was tough – but it has also taught me essential life lessons. I don’t believe that people with Autism are necessarily or have any disorder (except in extreme cases). They are just different! And that is something to be proud of! I am passionate about helping other families who may have Autism conditions in their family. So please reach out and drop me a note. I will be glad to help 🙂
