SPOKANE, Wash. — Support systems for children on the autism spectrum have evolved dramatically since the last ten years. Autism Acceptance Month reminds parents of that improvement.
Will, a 14-year-old diagnosed with stage one autism as a toddler, has become an author despite his challenges. He wrote a book about his experience, living with autism.
“It’s about his experience as a kid with autism. It’s hilarious. It’s surprisingly insightful,” said Michael Bruner, Will’s father.
Will receives support through the Isaac Foundation, a local nonprofit that serves as a resource for families navigating loved ones with developmental disabilities.
Joya Child and Family Development also operates programs with occupational therapists who work with children on the spectrum.
“I would see parents that would come to Joya, and they knew that there was something different about their kid, but they couldn’t really point it out,” said Maria Snider, an occupational therapist at Joya. “They would just come with this fearful face of like, there’s something wrong with my child. Like, how do I help them? What’s going on?”
Resources have expanded significantly over the past decade. Back then, sensory-friendly activities were virtually nonexistent. Therapists now have access to more fidgets and specialized tools to help children regulate their emotions inside the classrooms.
“Parents can come in and they can seek answers to things like, how do I go through the diagnosis process? Or we just went through, what do I do now?” said Nadine Krop, an occupational therapist at Joya.
Therapists emphasize the importance of the community understanding the perspectives of parents who have kids with special needs.
“Give them grace,” Krop said. “These parents are tired a lot of the time. So just being patient with them and being gracious.”
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