Saturday, October 31, 2009
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On October 31st, at a cheerful pumpkin patch just off I-5 south of Tacoma, a very special event occurred. From the outside, it looked like so many other Halloween gatherings that day: 200 people trick-or-treating, doing crafts, taking fire truck tours, going for hay rides and eating cupcakes. But this party was truly something special and unique: most of the families were affected one way or another by autism. It goes without saying that Halloween is not necessarily party time for all of us living with ASD. Spooky sounds, strobe lights, itchy costumes and corn syrup flowing like water are challenges few neurotypical kids enjoy without sensory overload. For our kids on the spectrum, the challenges are felt ten-fold. For our families, holidays can inflict stinging reminders of the isolation ASD too often creates. Defusing isolation has been part of TACA’s mission from the start. Meetings are great – and we enjoy doing them - but from the beginning here in Washington we wanted a family event - and had planned one last December but it was cancelled by that memorable snow storm. This Halloween seemed to be the perfect time to make up for it– and, as it turned out, it really was. Inspired by the work of our founders in California and the brave first steps of our Hawaii chapter, we decided to strike out and throw a party for the kids. We were not prepared for how touched we would be by the beauty of this day. It really was the Halloween we wish we could have found when we were shyly using dietary intervention and running to the car at the first sign of trouble. Most of us would have driven 50 miles to find a party featuring GF/CF and grain-free cupcakes and non-edible trick-or treat options. We would have gone 100 miles more to find a place where people didn’t look at us sideways when our kids were perseverating, throwing tantrums or flapping. In fact – some of the families who attended the TACA Washington Harvest Party did drive that far – and farther - to attend this special event. These are just a sampling of photos submitted by parents. Of course, photos can’t do this day justice, but they can help families know they are not alone, see folks in the community who are not affected by ASD but still cared enough to help, and move forward to another day with the power of HOPE. TACA is more than a one day party. We are a foundation providing information and support for families in need. Hope you can join us at our next meeting. The TACA Washington team |
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