Spectrum Social in honor of Autism Awareness Month

The Junior Auxiliary of Hancock County is on a mission to spread awareness about autism and how it impacts each child differently.

Over the weekend, the women in the organization came together to host their first Spectrum Social Event.

The Fenton Community Center in Hancock County was filled with colorful, hands-on sensory activities for children living with autism. The fun-filled day allowed the children to express themselves around others who are just like them. Organizer Alyece Smith said, “Autism is we are learning more and more about it every day. We don’t know enough about it to pinpoint exactly what happens or why it happens, but we are educating people daily.”

The Spectrum Social incorporated many sensory activities which are activities that stimulates a child’s senses such as touch, smell, taste, movement, balance, sight, and hearing. “We have sensory sand. We have a station where they make sensory bottles. We have a painting station. We have a calming section.”

Smith says that all of her son’s care providers are outside of Hancock County because services in the area are so limited and she feels that by hosting this event it will help bring awareness to the people in Hancock County and potentially bring care providers to the area. “I have to travel hundreds of miles a week a lot of times to be able to get the resources and the treatments that my son needs.”

Eirwen Matheny’s little brother, Wyatt, is living with autism and she says she loves being able to help him. “Knowing that I have a special sibling actually gives me a chance to help him with things he needs help on.”

The organization is looking to make Spectrum Social an annual event.