In the photo, Wendy Potts, president of the Autism Project (third from left), gives a check to Beth Rice (second from left), director of the CLC. Also in the photo are CLC teachers, Amanda Hedrick, left, Hetty Phillips, second from right, and Teresa Davis, right.
Submitted Photo
The Autism Project of Southern Ohio is and will continue to fill the area’s needs when it comes to serving those who are autistic. Recently the group awarded two $2,000 grants to establish Sensory rooms in area schools.
According to Wendy Potts, Autism Project Of Southern Ohio President, Sensory rooms help children with autism develop and further expand their cognitive stills.
The group installed its first Sensory room at Waverly Preschool.
The two most recent Sensory rooms established are at the Carousel Center and the Shawnee State University Dr. Miller & Genevieve Toombs Children's Learning Center.
"Sensory rooms are where kids with autism and anyone with a sensory processing disorder can get sensory input or get into a calm area to bring themselves back together," Potts said.
She explained this is a big project for the group to take on but it is not impossible. She said it's something that makes sense.
"By watching each one of them (autistic children) they are all different. Maybe the lights bother them or maybe there is too much noise. Each one is unique and each one needs different things," Potts said. "The sensory rooms will give us a better understanding and it will allow us to help them learn to cope with life as they get older."
This is the second school the group has helped in the establishment of sensory rooms.
Potts said, "the kids need this. It will help them at an early age learn how to be able to cope with the world they have to grow up in and live in."
Schools interested in establishing Sensory rooms with the help of the Autism Project Of Southern Ohio need to make an application with the group to be considered and meet certain specifications. "If approved we will donate $2,000 toward a Sensory room," Potts said. "The school has to raise a thousand dollars on their own. So, it's at least $3,000 that goes into the room."
The group will be holding its 4th Annual Poker Run on September 19th starting at Tracy Park in Portsmouth.
For more information about the Autism Project of Southern Ohio call Potts at 357-2273.
Post a Comment
