On Sunday, April 11, Texas A&M International University’s Communication Disorders Clinic and the National Student Speech Language and Hearing Association (NSSLHA) sponsored an Autism walk from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
“Autism is the only behavioral disorder that is defined by communications, so we are the leaders in dealing with it,” Alan L. Seitel, director of the academic communication disorders program, said.
Lino Cantu, NSSHLA president, echoed the director’s sentiments, “Events of this kind are important because we are trying to educate the Laredo public about Autism disorders,” said Cantu.
In hopes to garner city wide attention, Cantu actively promoted the event, putting flyers around town, posting information on the TAMIU website, and reaching out to different rehabilitation centers in Laredo.
Individual fees were $10, groups were charged $50 and businesses $150, in an effort to raise funds. Over 100 people came out to support the cause. Monies raised at the walk will go to host two conferences, one which occurred on April 24.
The Communication Disorders program and the MSSLHA have been working together to bring two personalities in the field to Laredo. One, Dr. Harkins, “specializes in Autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, and learning disabilities,” Cantu said.
Also, speaker, Sheila Shwiff, will provide information about high functional autism, such as Asperger’s syndrome, and social-emotional difficulties.
Although Cantu’s expectations on participation were met, he believes much more effort can be done.
“It would be good if more organizations could get together to organize these types of events in Laredo in order to educate the public,” Cantu said.
At least 15 members of the program helped out at the walk.
“Even though a lot of the members work, they still participate,” said Barbara Garcia, NSSHLA member.
Besides this event, and the upcoming conference, members of the NSSHLA participate as volunteers in the community.
“They are active here on campus as well as on the community. They go to the nursing homes, try to go to different schools to read to the kids, or day care centers just to get the community involvement,” Melissa Garcia, clinical assistant professor of the communication disorders and advisor for the NSSHLA, said.
Besides students, faculty and staff, some community agencies were present at the event. Wiggles Children’s Rehab, Mercy Kids Rehab, Safari Kids Rehabilitation Center and Elite Therapeutic Specialists had each its own informational booths where people could get flyers and name cards.
“Families with children that have Autism also participated,” Cantu said.
Students from the Communication Disorders Program and members of the NSSHLA prepared games to entertain the kids that attended the walk.
“We are all trying. The whole thing with our communications disorders is to be partners with the parents and with the community,” Seitel said.
“Not many people went out to the walk, but in general they are really engaged,” Garcia remarked.
Students from the program have already had direct contact with people with Autism. They interact with rehabilitating students through observational participation and clinical hours. Undergraduates work for two semesters in clinical hours with children and their parents.
“We’ve been having groups of children who are on the Autism Spectrum Disorder for three years now, since the clinic first opened, from preschool up to high school,” Seitel said.
The walk seems to be the beginning of a long journey for the MSSHLA.
“This is going to be our third autism set of speakers, and we have only been here for three years,” Seitel commented.
According to Cantu, the program and the NSSHLA plan on making the Autism Walk an annual event that could bring great awareness and even more people together.
“We work with other disciplines because it is a team effort, and the families need to be involved as well, they are part of the team,” Garcia said.
Participants received a free t-shirt, which most wore during the walk. Fruit, crackers and water were also provided.
(Silvia Solis may be reached at silvia_solis@dusty.tamiu.edu)