Mom Kristy Sydoruk and son Zachary enjoying the Autism Awareness fun event Saturday. (Angela Brown/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Angela Brown

Supporting families

Support for autism brings community together

Apr 7, 2019 | 4:34 PM

Smiles and giggles filled the Nations West Field House Saturday afternoon as families came together to take part in a fun event to raise awareness about autism.

Some children played on the bouncy castle while others had their face painted. Many of the event leaders were wearing the symbolic pin to recognize autism awareness month – a ribbon design featuring a multi-coloured puzzle pattern.

The pattern is meant to depict the complex nature of the autism spectrum, while the various colours and shapes of the puzzle signify the diversity of those living with the condition.

The symbol rings true for Kristy Sydoruk and her son Zachary. She appreciated having a fun day for families.

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“It’s supportive for all the families that deal with autism and live with it,” Sydoruk said. “To have everyone together and to see all the people that are dealing with the same challenges is really nice.”

She said her child has benefitted from the Battlefords Autism Program. The five-year-old has been in the enrolled for the last two years, and was formally diagnosed with autism one year ago.

She said he is somewhere on the moderate side of the autism spectrum. While he has some challenges, he otherwise manages to cope day to day.

While he is a highly sociable, happy child and overall well behaved, she said he is sensitive to loud noises, as well as has a difficult time staying focused. She said he has responded well to individual therapy, which has made a positive difference for the family.

“He really likes it; I think it’s good for him,” Sydoruk said, adding: “The autism team gives us a lot of support. Any time we have issues they help us work through them and give us ideas and tips.”

Colleen Sabraw is the director of the Battlefords Early Childhood Intervention Program (BECIP). BECIP supports all families with children up to age five and makes home visits. The organization works closely with the autism team in pediatric therapy.

Sabraw said the puzzle pattern on this year’s autism awareness pin is especially appropriate in showing how each child, like a piece in a puzzle, is someone special and unique, and must be able to access services to meet is or her individual needs.

“We need to recognize that kids have developmental needs, no matter who they are, what nationality they are, what incomes (their families) have… So to be able to meet the needs of families is important,” she said.

Kim Kessler, an occupational therapist with the Saskatchewan Health Authority’s Autism Program, based out of the Don Ross Centre, said the event was a great way for families and the community to simply enjoy the day..

“The autism event is put on every year to help raise awareness about autism and support those in our community impacted by autism,” she said.

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angela.brown@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @OCoureurDesBois