April is World Autism Awareness Month.
In Victoria, there is a vital support group, the Victoria Society for Children with Autism, that supports families facing unique challenges.
“The spectrum can show up in a variety of ways,” says Jesse Galvon Reid from VSCA, as it’s known. “What we may encounter is repetitive behaviours, verbal, non-verbal, communication issues, oftentimes socializing is a lot more difficult, rigidity in thinking so change can often be a really big thing.”
Founded in 1970, and volunteer-driven, VSCA offers social activities for teens and families, respite and recreation funding, and lots of support and education.
“It’s nice to be able to not have to explain certain behaviours when we’re in a group,” says Galvon Reid. “There’s often this gentle understanding in just being able to be there for another person, and being compassionate, and understanding what they’re likely going through.”
Learn more about the Victoria Society for Children with Autism in this episode of Vital People.
Vital People is sponsored by the Victoria Foundation.
Veronica Cooper
