Sunny Horizons holds Walk for Autism, bringing awareness and acceptance
Story By Katie Hightower
On April 17, community members met at the Jackson County Courthouse gazebo to unite in a walk for Autism Acceptance. For over a decade, Sunny Horizons LLC has organized the walk to support individuals and families impacted by autism.
Autism Spectrum Disorder is a neurological disorders with a broad range of conditions which affect communication, learning, environmental perception and behavior. According to the CDC’s latest data, approximately one in 33 children at the age of 8 have been identified with Autism Spectrum Disorder. While many on the spectrum can lead successful lives with minimal support, others require lifelong therapy services and the support from caregivers.
The impact left on autistic individuals, their families and caregivers often left them feeling isolated and without needed support. April was designated as Autism Awareness month in 1970 by the Autism Society with a goal to raise public awareness about autism. By 1988, it gained national recognition and President Ronald Reagan proclaimed April as National Autism Awareness Month.
The Walk for Autism continued that support in Jackson County. Families, allies and advocates met in unison to show their support to their community.
“Each [autistic individual] has their own strengths, challenges and unique personalities. Today is about recognizing that and embracing it and walking together in acceptance, inclusion and love,” said Hilliary Bailey, owner of Sunny Horizons.
Bailey then introduced two mothers, Heather Rhoades and Chel Allen, who shared their autism journeys through their perspective as caregivers to autistic children.
“Both of these ladies are incredible advocates for their children and we’re grateful that they’re willing to open up and share their journeys with us,” Bailey said.
Rhoades shared about her journey with her daughter, Bella. Rhoades said that Bella showed signs of regression when she was close to a year old. Rhoades said through therapy services, Bella began to walk. Rhoades said it was not easy being a single mom but her daughter was perfect as-is and she wouldn’t change her for anything. Rhoades said Bella saved her life and made her life happy and she felt blessed.
Allen shared her journey with her son, Aiden. Allen began her speech thanking everyone for their support. Allen said their journey began when Aiden was 3 years old. While he was a brilliant child, she noticed repetitive behaviors and thought an evaluation was in order. She said she spent many nights crying — worried about her son’s future. She said many of her concerns were eased thanks to therapy services and wonderful special education teachers like Jamie Hardman.
Hardman’s eye filled with tears when her name was mentioned. It was a heartfelt moment of gratitude that many other mothers in the crowd felt before towards the teachers and supporters who truly made a difference and it was a moment of reassurance to those teachers that their hard work was deeply appreciated.
“Let us remember Awareness should not end in April,” Allen said. “Understanding and equality must continue every day. Every child deserves love and support. From this mother, thank you so much.”
