Autism Alliance: Accessible fun for families

PLATTSBURGH | South Acres Park offered room to roam and run on a celebratory Saturday before Easter. Afternoon events were organized by Autism Alliance of Northeastern New York (AANNY) staff to be sensory-friendly, thoughtful and inclusive for families with children and teens on the autism spectrum. Registration drew over 80 guests, children, teens and families for the outdoor play date. Streams of bubbles captured kids' imaginations. A prize table offered all kinds of small gifts for those who weren't so much into searching. There were no loud speakers, blaring music or emcee on a mic, just laughter and inclusion and a field of kids being curious. SENSORY FRIENDLY Holly Lafountain is executive director of the Autism Alliance, which organizes events, information and outreach for families in Clinton, Essex and Franklin County. A sensory-friendly focus, she said, helps manage the amount of input in a way that makes fun accessible. "We chose a quiet location at South Acres Park, a low-traffic park so there wouldn't be a large crowd. We had no music -- we have found that some kids have an aversion to loud music or big noises. We encouraged kids to collect eggs at their own pace and placed non-food items in the eggs, a lot of children can't have certain food items. "We also had a prize table so kids could choose items they want to put into their basket. We wanted to make it as simple as possible for children to fill their basket. Everybody got something." The Autism Alliance brought an Easter Bunny, too, but this soft, smiling character stood to one side, allowing families to gauge their own approach. Children and teens and adults on the autism spectrum have a wide range of sensitivity and sensory challenges that others in a big crowd might not understand or even recognize. Mindful attention to detail provides space for families to celebrate with their children in community. Kate and Josh Trombley joined the spring fête with their son Reed, who is almost four, and daughter Rory, who is five. It is important to them to have a safe place for their autistic children to play. "Especially for high elopers," Kate Trombley said, "which is a child who runs away with no sense of danger." To manage safety for a child who tends to wander, she said their family does a lot of practice and incorporates safety focus in therapy. "And we go to places like this," Trombley said. "This event is ideal, because all of these other families share some of the same struggles we have and without judgment. I feel we are all very well-versed in autistic profiles." A Grade 3 teacher at Beekmantown Elementary School, Trombley finds kids readily learn to understand sensory challenges and adjust to play together. They just have to talk about how what works. Through the Autism Alliance, their family has been able to attend group events without facing public scrutiny for neurodivergent behavior, actions simply drawn from unique ways a person or child processes sensory input. "The biggest piece for us is no judgment," Trombley said. Autism Alliance families and friends have been able to build an inclusive community, she said. "It just takes time. I really feel that the alliance thinks of all kids globally. We got to go to our first movie as a family together, and it was free." The theatre was kept lit and the soundtrack low. "And they took the movie trailers out and just started right into the movie, it was Minions: Rise of Gru," Trombley smiled. AUTISM ALLIANCE EVENTS The Autism Alliance hosts events for children, teens and adults. Trombley said organizers include room for siblings and family not on the spectrum, creating a non-judgmental atmosphere for everyone to just be together. "We think about our children being adults in this community," Trombley said. "We're just really thankful that the Autism Alliance exists." Every month, we do a monthly meet-up, Lafountain said of programs they create focused on bringing families together. An Open Mic Night for teens on the spectrum is set for Thursday, April 16 at Koffee Kat in Plattsburgh, starting at 6 p.m. All ages and abilities are welcome and performers earn a free drink. "In June, our meet-up is at Sweet Treats in Peru," Lafountain said. "We're trying to venture outside of Plattsburgh for some of these events. We support families throughout Clinton, Essex and Franklin County. We're the only agency up in this area. "Our event registrations have skyrocketed recently," Lafountain observed. "July is our Wild Center meet-up in Tupper Lake and 110 people have registered already." Numerous other events are planned in the coming months, to see them all or register to attend, visit the Autism Alliance website: aaneny.org/events Fostering autism awareness in the larger community, Lafountain said, involves people learning how to follow another person's lead. "Autistic people will let you know what they're comfortable with. Even if they are non-speaking, they provide cues. It's important to learn to engage and treat everyone like they're important and to remember that those in the autistic community are human. We can all help figure out how to help them lead their best lives." For more information and resources about Autism awareness and support, visit the Autism Alliance of Northeastern New York website: aaneny.org .......................................................... BE PART OF THE AUTISM AWARENESS WALK Autism Alliance of Northeastern New York families, friends, coworkers, sponsors and neighbors are gearing up for the Autism Awareness Walk, the big springtime fundraiser on May 2. The Trombley family has teams themed Reed's Knights, based on Batman, and Rory's Warriors, featuring her favorite Bluey characters. "Beekmantown Elementary has a team as well," Mrs. Trombley said of her coworkers and their immeasurable support. Registration for the Autism Awareness Walk is open and rosters are growing. "We chose a carnival theme this year," Lafountain said. "We're going to have a juggler teaching kids how to juggle, food trucks, bounce houses and a Resource Fair with tabling for resources from throughout the area. We have about 18 organizations signed up to be there. It's also a great opportunity for agencies to interact. "We have almost 50 teams registered already and we're still a month out. Fundraising is off to a good start." The Autism Awareness Walk is May 2 at the Clinton Co fairgrounds and starts with registration at 10 a.m. for the 11 a.m. walk. The event goes until about 1 p.m., Lafountain said. "Autism Awareness walkers, strollers and rollers can invite friends, family, coworkers, and local businesses to support their walk with a donation. And costumes are encouraged!" More information is available online: aaneny.org/walk ............................................................. WORKSHOP: DISABILITY COMPLIANCE TO CONNECTION The Autism Alliance of Northeastern New York is also hosting a free public workshop on April 18 with Russell Lehmann, an award-winning motivational speaker who is a poet, author and advocate. His presentation -- Disability Compliance to Disability Connection -- is a free event, open to the public at the Glen Giltz Auditorim, 47 Beekman Street in Plattsburgh. At his workshop, Lehmann Russell will explore five practical, unconventional strategies that move from surface-level awareness to genuine connection and empowerment for autistic and neurodiverse individuals. Learn More: "When it comes to autism, invisible disabilities, and neurodiversity, the 'what' of accommodations is often discussed: policies, checklists, and compliance. But the deeper question remains: 'why?' Why do some accommodations matter more than others? Why do certain approaches empower while others alienate?" Reserve free tickets online: From Disability Compliance to Disability Connection, Five Ways to Accommodate and Understand

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Autism Alliance: Accessible fun for families

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