Autism fest in Westwego helps kids and parents find resources, along with a dose of food and fun

Sherelle Porter’s son, Amir Moore, was diagnosed with autism when he was 2 years old.

“It was determined that Amir had a speech delay, which was difficult for him because he was unable to communicate,” Porter said. “Out of frustration, he would bang his head against the wall to try to express himself. And I could not hold a conversation with him.”

Porter heard about Autism Society of Greater New Orleans from friends and family.

“The organization has provided me with a list of resources that helped not only Amir but me as well,” said Porter, an ASGNO board member. “Now Amir can communicate on some level. When he’s hungry, he will rub his stomach or open the refrigerator door to show me what he wants to eat. The organization has been a valuable resource which has meant the world to me.”

The nonprofit ASGNO serves the needs of children and their families in Orleans, Jefferson, St. Bernard, St. Tammany, Washington, St. Charles, St. James and St. John the Baptist parishes with neurological disorders.

On April 19, it will hold its 20th annual festival, presented by the Oscar J. Tolmas Charitable Trust, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Westwego Farmer’s Market, 484 Sala Ave. The event includes food, activities and resources available to autistic individuals and their families. About 500 to 600 people are expected to attend.

Finding each other

Claire Tibbetts, the group’s executive, says it has various ways of connecting with families.

“Last year, more than 1,500 people attended our in-person event, which serves people of all ages,” Tibbetts said. “Our digital reach is even greater, with 15,000 visitors to our website and over 100,000 engagements across our social media channels. … Some are referred by physicians, while others are referred to by friends and family members, as well as social media searches.”

Defining autism

Autism, Tibbetts said, is a term for a range of neurodevelopmental differences.

“It impacts the way the brain processes and uses information,” Tibbetts explained. “Autism may appear as early as 6 to 9 months old. But for others who have more subtle presentations, they may not be identified until they are 2, 5, teenagers or adults.

“A child who has delayed language skills may not speak many words or not at all. Or there may be a child who has a strong aversion to certain things like loud noises, bright lights, or strong smells and taste. Engaging in self-stimulating behavior will help regulate their sensory systems by humming or by singing.”

Finding help

Ashley, who didn’t want to use her last name, said her son, Julien, was diagnosed with autism when he was 4½.

“He needed speech and behavioral therapy and to learn social skills,” she said. “As a parent, once you are given a diagnosis of autism, you have no idea where to begin or how to help your child. With the support of the Autism Society, I have found programs, events and family activities to help both Julien and me. And I have a sense of connection, a sense of community with other parents.”

Now 7, Julian is learning social skills.

“Julian used to shy away from people and now, he is the first person to walk up to someone and greet them,” Ashley said.

For more information about the Autism Society of Greater New Orleans, go to www.asgno.org, email [email protected], or call (504) 603-6548.