Autism Support in NJ... my reaction to an article about a special autism event in Cherry Hill, NJ

"Museum Opens Its Arms to Children With Autism"

By Bill Duhart
For the Courier-Post
February 22, 2010


Click on the link below to read the whole article.
Courierpostonline.com Article


     This article talks about a special event hosted by the Discovery Museum in Cherry Hill, NJ, for the Open Arms foundation.  The museum opened its doors one night for only autistic children and their families.  This provided the children a chance to play and explore in an environment where they felt they belonged.  The children were comfortable with their surroundings and each other, and were able to have fun.  This allowed the parents and families to relax as well. 

     In gratitude of the event, one mother who attended, Kim Marple, stated,"If he has a meltdown on a typical day it might be a tragedy for us and everyone else. Here, if he melts, he just blends in. He can be himself."  She also said, "I don't have to be embarrassed if [my son] is making a scene.  I don't have to feel like I'm alone. This is a night out for us, too." 

     I think that is fantastic and fully applaud the Discovery Museum and Open Arms for recognizing some of the everyday difficulties that autistic children face along with their continued efforts to relieve some of the pain and struggles faced by these children and their parents. 

     Early intervention is vital to improving the lives of autistic people and it is great to see that events like this are occuring to help aid that goal.

     I urge you to take a look at the article and definately to pass along this information to anyone you know who has autistic children and lives in the NJ area.  The article stated that these events at the museum are usually geared to kids up to the age of 10. 

Thanks for reading! <3