Connecting People with Purpose in North Iowa

BY: RACHEL WUMKES

Since 2011, the month of April has been designated as Autism Awareness Month.  April 2nd officially kicks off the month-long recognition with World Autism Day.  Sanctioned by the United Nations in 2008, it is a day to bring awareness to the disability, for supporters and loved ones to don blue attire and share their stories of how autism has impacted their lives.

While the month itself has always been about bringing Autism to the forefront in society and teaching communities about Autism, there has been a shift in the past few years.  Now, instead of April being about awareness, it has changed to Autism Acceptance.

A change welcomed with open arms.

With the prevalence of Autism in the United States rising from being 1 in 125 children (2010) to 1 in 59 children (2020), the need for acceptance is greater than ever.  Gone are the days where Autism is “rarely seen” or “unheard of.”  These days, most people know at least one person on the spectrum.  And while spreading awareness is still a key point, the Autism Society of America has deemed the highest importance being acceptance, as it is often one of the biggest barriers in developing a strong support system.

We are fortunate to have such an incredible facility for those impacted by Autism right here in Clear Lake!  The One Vision Autism Center is a resource for so many in North Iowa, and throughout the Midwest.   It’s a place to create hope for families overwhelmed by the challenges of raising a child on the autism spectrum.

What many people may not know, however, is the slew of services provided at the Center.

From the www.onevision.org website, the Center provides:

  • Direct Autism Services customized to each learner’s skills, needs, interests, preferences and family situation.
  • Autism Spectrum Skill Assessment designed and overseen by our qualified and trained Behavior Analyst (BCBA)
  • Intensive 1:1 ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis): Behavior analysis helps us understand how behavior is affected by the environment and how learning occurs. Our goal is to increase behaviors that are helpful while decreasing behaviors that are harmful or may affect learning in real situations.
  • Increase language and communication skills
  • Improve attention, social skills, memory, academics and focus for children and teens living with autism
  • Provide positive behavior supports, and skill-building activities to improve the lives of the children on the autism spectrum and their families.
  • CAC Social Skills groups: During this course, children and teens with autism (elementary through high school) focus on developing specific social skills beneficial for enhancing their interaction with peers and adults.
  • Parent training and education to support their child’s learning and skill practice throughout the day.
  • Free, specialized activities and events in collaboration with other local groups and resources. Past Autism-Friendly events the CAC has hosted have included music, art, sailing, sports, and holiday events. Check our Facebook page for upcoming Autism-Friendly events.
  • Assistance with navigating other autism resources available in the area.
  • Resource library of books, DVDs, sensory items, and educational resources available for check out. The library was created with the help of the Cerro Gordo County Medical Alliance.
  • Spectrum appropriate materials, technology, and equipment for families to enrich their child’s experience at home, school, and community.

One upcoming event, a favorite for many in the region, is the J. Brooks Walk-A-Block.  This event is a collaboration between radio personality J. Brooks of 98.7 KISS Country and Country Axe, and One Vision’s Children’s Autism Center to celebrate autism awareness, advocacy, and acceptance.  The event will be held April 9th at Southbridge Mall in Mason City.

Early bird registration (which guarantees a t-shirt) is already closed, but you can STILL get in on the fun. The cost from now until the day of the event is $20 per person (only $15 for kids 12 and under) and is a great afternoon of fellowship, resources, connection, and acceptance!

The timeline of events is planned as follows:

Noon: Check-In and Registration

1 pm: Walk-A-Block

1:30-3:00 pm: Axes for Autism – The Country Axe,
inflatables, balloon animals, giant connect 4, and more!

For more information about the event, visit www.jbrookswalkablock.org or check out their Facebook Event.

Acceptance is something many individuals continue to struggle with, but by engaging in conversation and learning about one another’s perspectives, we can each become accepting. We simply need to get our peers to embrace such a philosophy, so our world can be filled with more love and acknowledgment and less distaste and hate.

During the month of April – and going forward – I challenge each of you to strive to be aware and accepting of the autism community as well as others.

The change starts with you.