Falls Journal
Whitney Jackson
For several children and their parents, one local group has created friendships, sparked growth, and embraced differences.
Ten-year-old Matthew Strickland and his family of Fort Frances are among those who have been positively changed by the International Falls Autism Support Group, which meets each Tuesday from 6-7:30 p.m. in the basement of First Assembly of God Church on Third Avenue.
Autism, a mental condition that usually presents itself in early childhood, is characterized by a difficulty in communicating, forming relationships with other people, and in using language and abstract concepts.
“Matthew was diagnosed with autism when he was just past age two,” said his mother, Lindsay.
“He was late to talk and attended speech-language therapy, IBI programming, occupational therapy, and then the resource program at daycare in order to help his development as a pre-schooler,” she noted.
Now, as a school-age child, Matthew is supported at school in Fort Frances by an educational assistant and the school resource program.
“Matthew has not been able to attend the numerous typical extra-curricular programs that a child his age would take part in,” said Strickland.
“He does not communicate and behave similarly to his peers, and does not typically have friends of his age to learn social skills from,” she added.
One of the difficulties children on the autism spectrum often face is being excluded from activities their peers are engaging in-such as playground games, birthday parties, or conversations.
“Children with autism can have difficulties knowing the subtle social rules of how to interact with their peers, can have difficulty managing their sensory environment, and may, therefore, behave in ways that are different than their peers,” Strickland explained.
But thanks to efforts made by the parents of autistic children in International Falls and Fort Frances who formed the support group, Matthew has progressed and is welcomed with a feeling of inclusion-a feeling that hasn’t always been familiar to him.
“The initial vision of the group was to have a place for parents of children with autism to have a place to share stories, to help and support each other, and, at the same time, a group where the children themselves could find friendships and enjoy time together,” Strickland said.
“I have to say that it has grown into so much more.”
Strickland said she and her son were welcomed right away, into not only the group but into the family that has been created there.
Since becoming group members, Matthew has found friends in his age group that welcome him and with whom he is excited to meet on a weekly basis–making him more and more willing to interact with the children and adults in the group, noted Strickland.
For Matthew’s family, the non-judgmental and safe environment has given them a chance to feel supported in their journey with autism.
“Having a child on the autism spectrum comes with its unique challenges and struggles, as well as stories of joy and accomplishments,” Strickland remarked.
“It has been wonderful to have a group of parents and kids to feel connected within our community,” she added.
“We are developing friendships that extend past group meetings.”
Upcoming walk
The group is taking part in the second-annual National Autism Awareness Day Walk, which is planned for 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 2-International Autism Awareness Day.
Based on the community’s support last year, Strickland said the group was excited to plan the event again this year.
The walk will begin at the parking lot of Ronning’s in International Falls and is meant to show support for children with autism.
All community members are invited to attend the event, and to light up International Falls by wearing the colour blue to show collaboration and to support autism awareness.
Following the short walk, all are invited to celebrate with food and live music, including a special performance by “Grandpa Magic,” in the basement of the First Assembly of God Church.
“I’ve been so impressed already by the support our community has shown for our developing group over the past two years,” said Strickland.
“Generous community members and businesses have welcomed our children, and have given them opportunities to take part in things they may not have otherwise experienced,” she noted.
For more information about the International Falls Autism Support Group or the National Autism Awareness Day Walk in International Falls, check out the group’s Facebook page at I Falls Autism Support Group.
“We are always open to welcoming new members,” Strickland stressed.
