Several organizations
collaborate on Autism Challenge
You’ve heard the statistics, “1 in 68 children will be identified with autism.” You may even know that “Autism is more common than childhood cancer, cystic fibrosis, and multiple sclerosis combined.” But did you know that in our Aroostook County communities, a loved one or friend living right next door may be affected by autism? It’s true.
The Aroostook Autism Support Group, located in Presque Isle, is comprised of parents, caregivers, providers and individuals affected by autism. Sharing of resources, successes, failures, and encouraging one another through the emotional aspects are some of the many benefits they give one another while navigating the autism disorder spectrum.
April is National Autism Awareness month. To bring awareness, support families and raise funds for the Aroostook Autism Support Group, a new non-profit organization, several events are planned throughout the month. From the second annual Autism Challenge 5K run and walk, to the dinner with guest speaker and auction, there is something for everyone in the community to show support.
The Autism Challenge will kick off on Saturday, April 18 at the Presque Isle Middle School Track. The first event of the CompetitorME Distance Race Series, the Autism Challenge includes a free 1-Mile Kids Fun Run and 5K (3.1 mile) run or walk. Registration is from 8:30-9:30 a.m., with the Kids Fun Run beginning at 9:30 a.m., and the 5K beginning at 10 am. Pre-registration is strongly encouraged.
This is a fully supported running race, with an event athletic shirt and finisher’s medal for everyone. Entry is $20 per person; children 18 years and younger, $10. Volunteers are needed, with one lucky volunteer winning two free tickets to see Train at the Bangor Waterfront on June 18. Additionally, CompetitorME is launching Project RUN, a community initiative to collect gently used or new kids sneakers for boys and girls. The sneakers will then be distributed on a needed basis to children in need with the donator receiving a discount coupon code to any upcoming CompetitorME event.
The Autism Challenge Dinner and Auction will also be held on Saturday, April 18, beginning at 4 p.m. with cocktail hour and silent auction, in the banquet center at the Presque Isle Inn and Convention Center. Author and blogger of “Diary of a Mom,” Jess Wilson, will speak starting at 5 p.m. This will be followed by a dinner and live auction featuring Matt Gregg of Gregg Auctions. The ticket cost is $30 per person and $50 per couple and can be purchased at Merchants on the Corner in Presque Isle, while they last. Those interested in purchasing a table of eight for $250 can contact Lisa Brewer at aasgmaine@hotmail.com.
“Autism is an increasing diagnosis many families in our community have to deal with,” said Jonathan Kelley, CompetitorME owner and race director. “The Aroostook Autism Support Group was started by two mothers, who have children with autism, as a means of sharing their stories to help others navigate the resources in northern Maine. In developing the Autism Challenge, it was important to offer events everyone in our community can participate in. Having a speaker who knows autism personally, coupled with a dinner and live auction and two fun events in the 5K run and walk, we can all show our support. How often is that the proceeds to such an event stay local? They do for the Autism Challenge!”
“This challenge is not only about raising awareness, it is about raising hope,” says Maeghan Swanson, cofounder of the Aroostook Autism Support Group. “Hope for all those affected by autism that they will be understood, supported, and loved by a community that does not pass judgment, but rather encourages them to grow, learn, and live in a safe and nurturing environment. By keeping our funds local, we will be able to give back to families, educators, therapists, and many more so that all of the children and adults on the autism spectrum can reach their full potential in life. Whether it is hosting a workshop for the community or creating events for families, our goal is to help in any way we can to ease the financial burdens, create safe and nurturing environments, and above all promote autism awareness, education, and support in Aroostook County.”
In addition to the Autism Challenge in the middle of April, there are other activities planned for April’s National Autism Awareness Month. The Aroostook Autism Support Group has coordinated these events:
April 11: Music and Movement to be held at Easton Elementary School from 10 a.m.-noon. Back by popular demand! Join the Aroostook Autism Support Group and Wendy Zubrick as she hosts the second music and movement class. This includes a combination of structured and unstructured activities that will allow special needs children and their siblings a chance to play together in a safe and supported environment. This is a free event, but no drop-offs — a parent or a caregiver must be present.
April 12: Braden Theater – Sensory-Friendly Screening of “The Lorax,” to be held at the Braden Theater at 10:00 a.m. Aroostook Autism Support is hosting a sensory-friendly screening of the children’s animated film “The Lorax.” The lights will be turned up, sound turned down, and all will be encouraged to sing, dance, move, and otherwise enjoy the film. This screening is open to anyone who might normally have some sensitivity to going to the movie theater. Cost is $5 per person and this includes ticket, popcorn and a drink. Tickets can be purchased in advance from Brewer or Swanson or at the door the day of the event.
April 24: Making Friends with the IEP, located at University of Maine at Presque Isle. This training features Ann Long, from the Maine Parent Federation, and benefits parents, ed techs, case managers, and therapists to help ease the IEP process for all involved. This training is free, but spaces are limited.
April 25: Bouncing Fun, to be held at the Caribou Recreation and Wellness Center at 3-5 p.m. Join us for some bounce house fun! Cost is $3 per child, space is limited, please reserve your spot by emailing aasgmaine@hotmail.com. This event is for special needs children and their families.
“I have learned so much about being a mother and advocate over the last year and I can’t wait to see what this next year brings,” said Brewer, co-founder of the Aroostook Autism Support Group. “It is rewarding to know that our efforts in raising awareness and acceptance in The County are getting noticed by so many. We started this group as just two moms who, like most moms, want to make sure we do everything we can to raise our children to be the best version of themselves possible. Together, with the support of our communities, we are making a difference and I couldn’t be more proud to be part of the process.”
