For most families, they look forward to summertime, but if you are a family with autism, this can be a time of dread and insanity. Routine and structure are gone; thus, bad behaviors and regression happen. Most children with autism don't have any friends, so they are bored. One can't wait until August for that short bus to run again.
This summer hasn't been too bad for us, Chattanooga and the area has more camps and programs. Plus, there is the Chattanooga Autism Center at 1000 East 3rd Street suite 100 (across from Erlanger Hospital) it is part of Team Centers and adjacent to it. They have free help for families. This summer they offered seminars in toilet training for kids over 8 years old, estate planning, hippo-therapy, and various other things. Plus, they can direct one to other programs such as "Lose the Training Wheels" which teaches older kids to ride a bike, karate, and respite help.
Here is a link to their site: Chattanooga Autism Center.
Hi... my name is Scott. I read both of your blogs, and liked them both. It can be rather difficult finding people in Chattanooga, who can understand autistic issues (in addition to being progressive). Thanks for your blogs and keep continuing to post. I found out about this through a Google search and have been wanting to find an autism center here in Chattanooga. Am hopeful I can get involved, although I am an adult without children.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Scott
msrpsilver@gmail.com