Autism Support Group holds Awareness F.A.I.R.
The Darlington County Autism Support Group will hold an Awareness F.A.I.R. on April 29 at the Hartsville YMCA. Group president and co-founder Coretta Bailey said that the event is open to everyone.
“There is more talk about Autism now but we want to keep spreading the word so that people know what it is, an illness,” Bailey said. “We want to help the families feel more at ease when they go out.”
As a parent with three children on the spectrum, Bailey said that she knows how hard it can be to go out in public when other don’t always know her children.
“We get the looks if our children are having meltdowns,” Bailey said. “People just don’t understand. We are trying to promote understanding and acceptance.”
The Autism Awareness F.A.I.R. will be at the Hartsville YMCA from noon to 3 p.m. The event will feature face painting, a petting zoo and information from the Early Autism Project.
Started eight years ago, the support group has blossomed, gaining its 501c3 status last year. They now hold sensory friendly events all throughout the year, including summer camps.
“We have been doing summer camp for about five years,” Bailey said. “This year, we are even going on a field trip, maybe to EdVenture.”
The camp is $30 and runs July 10 to 14. Anyone who is interested can register at the Hartsville YMCA.
Bailey said that aside from the fun activities, the support group also offers training sessions.
“We want to provide training for anyone who wants more information about Autism,” Bailey said.
For more information, contact Coretta Bailey at 843-307-3386 or Wendy Stokes at 843-307-4179. The support group can also be found on Facebook or at www.voices4autism.net.