Autism walk raises awareness

COSHOCTON – Despite the chilly weather, a large group of people came out to Lake Park in support of autism awareness on Saturday, Sept. 13. Sponsored annually by the Coshocton Support Group Autism Action, this event raises money and awareness for autism in Coshocton County.

“Our goal is to bring more autism awareness to parents who have children with autism,” said Lillie Corder, member of the group. “There’s now one in 68 children who are affected with autism and more cases of autism are being diagnosed.”

After a brisk morning walk around the lake, the members gathered at a picnic shelter and enjoyed a cook-out. Afterward, there was a bake sale and a 50/50 raffle. Profits from this event are used to take children with sensory processing disorder to the movies where they can enjoy popcorn and drinks with friends.

The Coshocton Support Group Autism Awareness is open to any family who has a child with autism and parents who would like to learn more about their child’s abilities in their everyday life.

“It was an eye opener to me because I felt like I was the only parent in Coshocton County who had a child with autism,” said Betty Larntz, a member of the group. “When I walked in and saw all these other people, it was like, I’m not alone.”

The organization was started in 1999 by Cheri McCullough and Jen Jones.

“There was a need in the county,” said McCullough, parent mentor for Coshocton County schools. “Parents were feeling isolated and like they had no one to talk to who would understand.”

McCullough made it clear that although the annual walk raises money for the organization, that is not its main purpose.

“We walk for awareness,” she said. “Not for the money. We want these kids to know that we are here for them to support and understand them. When we have events like this, the kids can see that people want to come out and understand them and accept them.”

In addition to the walk, the organization has a softball game in conjunction with Coshocton Girls Softball to raise awareness for autism. The money used from the game goes to help purchase sensory items to use in Coshocton, Ridgewood, and River View preschools such as Find-It Baggies or kinetic sand.

“Any kid can use them,” said McCullough, “but they are specifically designed for kids with sensory issues.”

Brendon Corder has been a part of the Coshocton Support Group Autism Action for the past couple of years, along with his mother, Lillie.

“We like to walk,” he said. “My mom likes to be with people that understand her.”

Brendon is a very active student. He runs the cash register at the store at the Career Center, is involved in the CSI class at the Career Center where students learn computer skills, make jewelry and merchandise, and about buying and selling, and is president of the DECCA club.

To learn more about the Autism Action group, make sure to check out their informational booth at the upcoming Coshocton County Fair.

beth@coshoctoncountybeacon.com

Category: Clubs & Organizations