Emerald Coast Autism Society

It was just another day at the zoo last Saturday for several area children – but it meant so much more, because those children are autistic.
    “The zoo reduced the rates for families with autism,” said Myra Fowler, a member of the Autism Society of the Panhandle. “The day is special for us because there are many children here with autism today. They are in the majority instead of the minority.”
    The outing was also a way to support The ZOO Northwest Florida.
    “This is a great way for our families to support the zoo and they have shown us how much they support families with autism,” said Susan Byram, executive director of the Autism Society of the Panhandle.“We are so appreciative of the efforts of zoo director Danyelle Lantz and her staff. They have really made us feel welcome today.
    “The staff learned a little more about autism.They had to show a little more patience but really got to know some of our families.”
    The day featured lots of hands-on activities, including face painting by Tee and Lee Face Design.They transformed kids into animals in just a few minutes. Holden Whatley chose to have his face painted to look like a tiger, and as Tanya Westerkom finished the design, he jumped down because he couldn’t wait to see a mirror. Soon after he saw himself, he ran off to show his mom.
    “Besides the face painting, we have a bouncer and a fire education station set up for the children,” said Amanda Whatley, executive director of the Emerald Coast Autism Society and Holden’s mom. “I have a pretty good relationship with Santa Rosa County Sheriff Wendell Hall and he is aware of autism issues. I hope to work with the local fire departments and emergency response teams to help them become aware of these issues.”
    SRSO Lt. Patrick Vega and Deputy Diana Younghanse attended the festivities.
    “We have had special training for autism as well as other disabilities,” said Younghanse. “We are trained members of a Crisis Intervention Team.” Upon entering the zoo, visitors who were not part of the autism group were given cards that featured hints on how to deal with an autistic child.These included: Speak slowly and use simple language. Use concrete terms. Repeat simple questions. Allow time for responses. Give lots of praise. Do not attempt to physically block self-stimulating behavior. Remember that each individual with autism is unique and may act differently than others. Autism is the world’s fastest growing developmental disability. People on the autism spectrum may: Not understand what you say. Appear deaf. Be unable to speak or speak with difficulty. Engage in repetitive behavior.
Act upset for no apparent reason.
Appear insensitive to pain. Appear anxious or nervous.
Dart away from you unexpectedly.
Engage in self-simulating behaviors like hand clapping or rocking.
The zoo’s docents walked around as part of the event, showing off a collection of snakes and lizards, and the children seemed to really enjoy the petting zoo as well. Michael Nygaard liked petting the snakes, especially the albino python.
For those attending the zoo, there was nothing that could identify an autistic child from just another visitor.
“That’s what this event is about,” said Whatley. “These are all just kids enjoying the zoo and all that it offers.”