Dealing with autism can be quite telling for the parent, especially during those long summer months. However there are a number of groups in Knoxville and the surrounding area that have organized activities for both children and young adults who suffer from this ailment. A comprehensive list of groups and activities can be found in the resources section.
What is Autism?
Autism is a genetic disorder that can be recognized by weakened social interaction. The disorder is one of impaired neural development that results in recognizable behavior patters. The full name for the disorder is autism spectrum disorder or ASD, and it can usually be recognized before a child is three years old. ASD affects the information processing in the brain by changing how nerve cells and their junction points connect and organize information. A child suffering from ASD may appear to develop normally at first and then later withdraw and become unresponsive to social communication.
Parent Insight
Breakthrough of Knoxville is a non-profit organization that was founded by parents of children with autism. The organization offers a number of services to young adults suffering from ASD. These include in-home support, a weekly therapeutic recreation program and daily activities aimed at integrating young adults with autism into the community. Breakthrough has successfully placed several such people into jobs. Their latest project is the construction of a whole neighborhood for autism sufferers in southern Knoxville, and this will include homes and a recreation center.
A Caring Community
Camp Koinonia (from the Greek meaning "caring community") is a regular week-long residential education program for 120 East Tennessee children and young adults with disabilities. All of them have multiple disabilities, including mental retardation, autism, cerebral palsy, hearing and visual impairment, muscular dystrophy and spina bifida. The camp is assisted by up to 150 students from the University of Tennessee, who help campers take part in activities such as horseback riding, canoeing, nature crafts, ropes course activities, music and movement and cooking. The camp was founded by Gene Hayes, now a UT professor of exercise, sport and leisure studies.
Music Therapy
Knoxville Music Therapy provides specialist, one-on-one, considerate and empathetic music therapy services to children and young adults in the Knox and Blount county areas. Music therapy consists of using music in a therapeutic way to tackle specific non-musical goals, and is geared toward children and young adults with autism, pervasive developmental disorder, communication disorders, and other special needs. It is run by an established health professional similar to an occupational therapist or a physical therapist.
Youth Alternatives
Eckerd Academy at Deer Lodge is located on 326 beautiful wooded acres in the Cumberland Plateau area between Nashville and Knoxville. The academy is operated by Eckerd Youth Alternatives and helps young adults who suffer from autism and other disabilities. The academy is located in natural surroundings that are free from the daily overcrowded life and offers a stimulating environment with plenty of activities, including hiking, camping, challenge courses, swimming, fishing and canoe trips.
Federal Grant
According to Associated Press, young adults who suffer from intellectual disabilities such as ASD or autism will soon be able to attend a new two-year vocational certificate program at the University of Tennessee. The university is one of 27 organizations nationwide to benefit from an $11 million federal grant for such programs. Young adults with ASD, down syndrome and other disabilities will be able to benefit from this program.
