Walk raises awareness for autism

EPHRATA - Despite rainy weather, approximately 50 people braved the elements to raise awareness of autism Saturday at Patrick Park in Ephrata.

The participants trekked up Beezley Hill to the 14 foot steel autism ribbon that overlooks the town.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that in the United States one in 110 children have autism.

While the autism walk, which is sponsored by the Autism Society of Grant County, primarily exists to  raise autism awareness, President Brian Jacobsen said the organization as a whole is shifting from awareness to action: what can be done about autism?

Frustration is a sentiment shared by many involved with the group, who feel that there aren't enough resources for child care, medical care or education in their rural communities for families affected by autism.

Debbie Perdomo lives in Desert Aire with her 28-year-old son Mike Perdomo. When Mike was first diagnosed with autism at the age of eight, the Internet wasn't a resource for information, she said. She called libraries to help track down information, and at one point, her husband even conversed with a doctor from France for more information.

While Debbie said Mike does have a social worker, "as far as any programs, it's do it yourself," she said.

The Autism Society of Grant County is one of the few resources in the county, she said, but getting to meetings in Ephrata from Desert Aire has proven challenging. Grant Transit Authority used to have bus service in Desert Aire, but it was discontinued. Now she drives her son to George to catch a bus to Ephrata.

Mike has taken computer classes at Big Bend Community College and volunteers at Kennewick Presbyterian Church. At BBCC, the instructors let Mike demonstrate his computer knowledge rather than take a written test. He's very visual and can demonstrate things he can't necessarily express on paper, Debbie said.

Dustin Ehinger is a 22-year-old Ephrata resident with autism.

His mother, Marcie Ehinger, said Dustin was the first student diagnosed with autism in the Ephrata School District.

"I couldn't have asked for a better school system," she told Kathy Hamlett, one of Dustin's former teachers, now retired.

Dustin said he participated in a wealth of activities in high school, including sports. He threw shot put in track and field and played football.

He currently works at Safeway as a courtesy clerk. 

And that's another purpose of the Autism Society of Grant County - getting people with autism involved in the community and employed.

Jacobsen said past president Mike Scellick employs several people with autism at his Ephrata business, Sole Performance.

Kristy Wessels, president of the Autism Society of Washington, said some people with autism are high-functioning intellectually, but may have deficits in other areas of their lives. It can make it difficult for them to find jobs or to qualify for some assistance programs, she said.

Many people with autism are supported by Social Security income. But the average social security check is for around $667 per month, an amount difficult to support oneself on, she said.