The planned March 29 flag-raising for Autism Awareness Day has been cancelled, but that doesn’t mean that organizer Nicole Kim won’t be marking the occasion.
“I’ll be making a post on Welcome to Bradford and my own Facebook page to raise the flag in awareness of April 2, 2020,” Kim says.
This would have been the sixth year for the Autism Ontario flag-raising at the Bradford Court House, and a proclamation by Mayor Rob Keffer and Council, recognizing World Autism Awareness Day in Bradford West Gwillimbury.
The proclamation has been issued, but all municipal gatherings, including flag-raisings, have been cancelled during the COVID-19 emergency.
These are especially difficult times for parents of children on the Autism Spectrum.
“It’s actually affected us very much,” Kim said. “All our services that we use are closed, so if we need anything, Emergency at the hospital is the only option – and that’s not a safe place to be.”
How is she coping? “For now, we are just taking it one day at a time, managing the best we can, and staying busy with games and reading, and household learning tools.”
Kim’s son is in Grade 9. “My son misses school and his friends, and most of all, his routine of day-to-day,” she said.
She checked out the courses offered by the school boards online, but so far, they are not appropriate for a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder, or any child with special needs.
“There is still a lot of work that needs to be done here,” she said. “It is not a bad start. Only issue we have is that it’s all Academic classes and Advanced programs, and that does not work for us.”
Kim has reached out to the MPP, asking for more online resources “for kids with needs.”
She noted, “As this is a stressful time for many, each family will deal with this all in their own way. Some families have decided just to teach life skills, and not stress their kids out more. Others need that structure.”
Her best advice? “It’s best to play on things they love,” Kim said. “For example, if they like cars, then use them to solve math problems. That’s more for younger kids; for teens, it’s best to keep up with reading and writing, if that’s their weakest area.”
She added, “For now, we are just taking it one day at a time” - and hoping that everyone will take a moment to think of the families and children coping with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
“ASD is now recognized as the most common neurological disorder, affecting one in 94 children, as well as their friends, family and community.” – from the Town of BWG Proclamation.
Most resources for families of children with ASD are not available at this time.
Catholic Family Services of Simcoe County, which has offices at 20 Anne St. in Barrie, is closed until at least April 3.
Kerry’s Place Autism Services, Aurora, has closed its offices, but support for families is available by telephone or email, [email protected]
Kinark Child & Family Services, 34 Simcoe St. in Barrie, has closed its offices and cancelled autism behavioural services, family support workers and school support programs. Client services and support are still available by phone, 1-800-283-3377.
Family First Play Therapy, 47 Holland St. W. in Bradford has cancelled all face-to-face sessions, but is looking at offering virtual sessions.
New Path Youth and Family Services, 165 Ferris Lane in Barrie is providing services by telephone only, 905-310-COPE (2673).
