Under New Business Alexander’s July meeting ended with an odd combination of discussion items. One city resident spoke about the societal effects of autism while the other relented on his attempt to amend the fireworks ordinance.
Alexander resident Patty Henn spoke to the Alexander City Council concerning the need to recognize the issues surrounding those who have Autism Spectrum Disorder. It affects more than just the families of people with autism.
“I'm here to talk about Autism Spectrum,” Henn began. “In our own community, there are likely hundreds of autistic or special needs kids, or people in our own community. They're students in our schools, workers in our businesses, members of our congregations, our neighbors and neighborhoods.”
No matter how old they may appear, Henn says they are still children inside.
“I know they might be grown, but they’re still kids,” she said. “Mentally, they're on a child's level a lot of times.”
Autistic individuals have employable skills. But, even with a job they can feel isolated.
“Many autistic adults are unemployed, underemployed, or isolated due to systematic barriers, not a lack of ability,” Henn said. “This is where the local government starts to matter the most.”
Henn explained autism and how it affects each person differently.
“It's a neurological developmental condition affecting communication and behavioral and sensory processing,” she said. “It exists on a spectrum. Every autistic person is different. Some may be nonverbal, while others are very highly verbal. Some are very social while others are very closed in.”
“It's called a spectrum because it looks different on everyone,” Henn continued. “But what's consistent in the autism is a lifelong condition, not something that can be or should be cured or think in that you can cure it. But rather understand and accommodate for it. … If you have met one autistic person, you have met one autistic person.”
“The key issues for autistic individuals that they have, (they) face in our community housing, there's a lack of inclusive and supporting housing options for autistic adults, especially those who qualify for full-time care, but still not,” Henn continued. “But they still can't live independently, totally independent.”
“Employment is whether or not how functioning they are, if they can function enough to even have a job,” she said.
Henn is quite familiar with the issues facing autistic individuals. Her son is autistic.
“Public spaces, bright lights, loud sound, chaotic environments can make it hard for an autistic person to use the park, city buildings, or attend public events,” Henn explained. “I know some of you may have seen me and my giant (son) out at some of the things at the park and everything. He loves the Christmas lights especially.”
And, then there are times when he’s had too much stimulation.
“When he starts getting overwhelmed, come on buddy, let's go,” she said. “And I'll get him and I'll put him in the car and then he's fine.”
It’s that possibility that concerns Henn. A misunderstanding when interacting with police or other authority figures might cause an unwanted result. Based only on outward appearances, when out in public, onlookers have accused her of kidnapping her own son.
“And they called the cops on me, said she's kidnapping him,” Henn said. “He can't tell you that he's mine.”
“But, I waited until he was nine years old to say mom,” she continued. “So the only way I could say is, hey, let me get him to the car and I'll show you he'll stop. This will all go away. Sure enough, he stopped.”
It’s these potential interactions with authority figures that concern Henn.
“And finally, the first responder interactions, and this is what my main concern is,” Henn explained. “Without proper training, misunderstandings between autistic people, the police and the authorities, fire department, it can lead to dangerous outcomes.”
“Aggression occurs when there is a breakdown in communication,” Henn continued. “Aggression equals behavior, not an identity. It can look like yelling, hitting, punching, pushing you away, trying to run away. My son has no sense of danger. Resisting touch or just appearing non-compliant. You tell him to stop, he keeps going. There's no in between there.”
Henn wants to organize a training program in an effort to reduce the possibility of a police officer misunderstanding a situation and taking actions that can’t be undone.
“I have talked to the (police) chief and have asked him if we could hold some type of court class,” she explained. “Get first responders together. Teach how to decelerate the situations.”
“I'll bring my son in,” Henn continued. “I will set him off for you. And then I will be able to accelerate him to show you. Because 80% of cops have never been around an aggressive autistic, severe, profound autistic person.”
“I don't want my kid to get shot,” Henn said. “Because he's not going to understand, ‘get on the ground or I'll shoot’. I don't want the cops to have that hanging over their head.”
Scott Chaloner accepts results of fireworks poll
“I got your poll,” Chaloner told council members. “It's fine. I accept your poll I appreciate it.”
Chaloner made his request during the June council meeting. Between the June and July meetings Mayor Crystal Herrmann conducted an on-line survey to get public input. Out of 49 responses 30 voted to keep, “Same as always, 3rd and 4th of July from Noon to 10 PM.” Ten voted for, “The 4th and 5th of July.” Four supported, “The Saturday following the 4th of July.” And, the choice for “Neither” received five votes.
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i listened to MS Henn she was a prolific speaker for her cause!
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