Autistic Kids hit by Katrina

A lady in the Saturday choir at Mt. Carmel sent us all a notice about efforts being made to help provide for the special needs of autistic kids whose routines and diets, so crucial for their ability to cope with the most ordinary events, have been wildly disrupted. Entire families, obviously, will be dealing with more than the trauma of losing property. I have not been able to vet the appeal, but since they are calling for things like bedsheets and toothpaste, that would be a pretty strong sign of authenticity. Here is the choir member's message and a link to the site she refers to. I did notice that the site updated very recently and says that the camp has all they need for the present, so perhaps this would be something to keep in mind--especially if, God forbid, Hurricane Rita gives some families a one-two strike.

Dear Friends,

 

Like most of you this past week, as I've watched the devastating images from the hurricane, I've tried to put myself in the victims' shoes.  I cannot imagine how I would cope, or take care of my children.  Because my 7-year-old son, Noah, is severely autistic, I've been especially concerned about what parents of children with autism are facing.

 

Autistic children can do well in a structured, predictable environment.  However, at the slightest disruption, they lose much ground.  Their senses are overwhelmed by noises, crowds, and environmental chaos.  Many have a strong aversion to becoming wet.  They generally can't eat preservatives, wheat or dairy - the stuff of which government rations are made - without serious digestive and behavioral consequences.  Under stress, most children with autism will experience severe, uncontrollable gastrointestinal, sleep, toilet and/or viral symptoms.  They often have environmental sensitivites and allergies, in particular to mold.  The majority of autistic children spend their time watching DVDs, listening to music, or playing computer games.  One in 166 children has autism, and for these kids - without homes, electricity, or the necessary foods, without any communication skills or understanding of what has happened, and in a completely unstructured, chaotic world - the aftereffects of the hurricane must be like living in a nightmare.

 

I am helping to collect supplies for a shelter that is being set up in Mississippi for families with autistic children.  The families will be arriving with little to no personal belongings.  They are in need of all the items you'd bring to an unfurnished campsite.   If anyone is able to donate twin bedding (used but clean is ok), unopened toiletries, bathroom supplies, diapers or pull-ups (extra large sizes), wipes, and other personal supplies, I will ship them to the camp.  You are also welcome to ship them on your own, to the address below; and of course, monetary donations are very welcome.  In the near future, they will also be assessing the children's needs and requesting donations of toys, puzzles, DVDs, DVD players, etc. - you can contact me at any time if you would like to be appraised of the current needs.

 

Thank you so much for any support you can give.  If you would consider keeping the children with autism and their families in your prayers, it would be a great gift.

 

Amy, Noah, & Annelise

Mississippi Emergency Shelter Available For Hurricane Victims with Autism, Developmental Disabilities

The National Autism Association (NAA) Requests Help from Local Authorities

Toccopola, MS - Peg Pickering, the mother of an autistic child, has offered to provide emergency housing for families of children with autism and other developmental disorders at Camp Yocona in Toccopola, MS.  The camp can accommodate up to 350 people in cabins that can sleep up to 8 people each.  Each group of 4-5 cabins has a bathhouse. A large commercial kitchen and dining hall is available and a volunteer will be staffing the kitchen to prepare meals including gluten and casein free options for children on restricted diets. 

"The camp will provide a healing environment for parents and children alike, offering a place of solace and shelter while the families regroup and decide where to go from here," commented Pickering who is coordinating this effort.

Volunteers are needed at evacuation sites to help identify children with autism and their families and let them know that assistance is available.

According to NAA Executive Director Jo Pike, “Children with autism have very special needs.  A simple disruption in routine can be devastating to them.  We are calling on local authorities and relief organizations to help us locate these families as quickly as possible.”

Anyone with information on families of children with developmental disabilities needing shelter as a result of the hurricane and its aftermath are asked to contact the National Autism Association toll free at 866-622-6733, or Peg Pickering at 662-488-9619.

Tax-deductible donations to assist with this effort can be made online at http://www.nationalautismassociation.org/proddetail.php?prod=Katrina

Checks can be mailed to:
First United Methodist Church of Pontotoc
Good Samaritan Autism Fund
P.O. Box 308
Pontotoc, MS 38863

In addition to monetary donations, the camp is in need of twin-size bed linens, towels, washcloths, toiletries, toothbrushes and toothpaste, diapers, wipes, etc.  Donations of these items can be shipped to:

ASD KATRINA RESCUE
C/O Peg Pickering
2901 Highway 9 South
Pontotoc, MS 38863