RAISING AWARENESS — More than 200 adults and youth turned out for the Bruins Walk Together Autism Walk held Sunday afternoon by Brooke County Schools, raising funds for Ryan’s Prayer of Hope and Healing, a local charity that provides iPads to youth with autism to aid improving their communication with others. -- Warren Scott

WELLSBURG — Through a walk involving more than 200 adults and youth, the Bruins Walk Together Autism Walk Sunday afternoon showed support for those on the autism spectrum and shared information helpful to them and their families.

“Our pre-school staff came to me with the idea and ran with it,” said Brittany Kocher, director of special education for Brooke County Schools.

Kocher said the walk held at Paul “Bud” Billiard Field at Brooke High School was one of several ways staff and students in Brooke County Schools have observed National Autism Acceptance Month.

She said many students wore blue, a color chosen by autism advocates because it represents both hope and calmness, on April 2; while pupils at Brooke Middle School followed a different theme on each day of Autism Awareness Week.

For example, the middle schoolers wore various colors, to represent the various forms of autism, on April 3, and could wear comfortable clothes, such as school-appropriate pajamas, and sunglasses on Sensory-Friendly Friday as a reminder that some on the autism spectrum are more sensitive to environmental stimuli.

Participants in the walk were welcome to wear headphones, to avoid loud noises, and bring iPads to help them communicate with others if needed.

Kathryn Young, a pre-kindergarten teacher involved in planning the event, noted proceeds will go to Ryan’s Prayer of Hope and Healing, a local charity that provides iPads to youth with autism to help them in communicating with others.

The charity was started several years ago by Jason Polgar, a student who noticed that his younger brother, Ryan, was better able to communicate with his family using such a device.

Young, who works with students with special needs, noted many area businesses, agencies and school groups were involved in the event in various ways.

Among them were students in the high school’s Educators Rising Club, who organized games; the high school’s chapter of Future Business Leaders of America, who donated many cases of bottled water; Action Images Photography, which assisted with a photo booth; and staff with the Brooke County West Virginia University Extension Service, who invited attendees to create sensory bottles containing glitter, sand, water and other materials designed to have a calming effect.

Among agencies offering information was the West Virginia Autism Training Center at Marshall University.

Julie Haines, an autism specialist at the center, said it offers information to the families of youth with autism in how they may adapt to their special needs and training to schools, churches and others in interacting with and accommodating those on the spectrum.

Haines said personal consultations and training have been provided throughout the state by the center, which also utilizes videos and podcasts.

Information about the center, which was established in 1984, can be found at www.marshall.edu/atc.

Asked how wait staff or a cashier might approach a customer they suspect is on the spectrum, Haines said being patient is key while that worker could ask anyone with the person if they have special preferences where applicable.

Also on hand at the walk was Rita Hawkins, resource and training specialist for the Brooke-Hancock Family Resource Network, who shared information about upcoming activities planned by the agency’s Disability Acceptance Coalition.

She noted the group offers a free dinner and activities for families with children with special needs at the Weirton center from 4:30 p.m.to 6 p.m. on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month. Those interested in participating should call (304) 748-7850 ext. 1002 in advance.

Hawkins said while Weirton’s Starvaggi Pool is closed for renovations, the group’s summer pool parties will move to Tomlinson Run State Park and Brooke Hills Park.

She said the group recently offered a visit with the Easter Bunny designed for children with autism. The holiday guest met with one family at a time, in a darkened room, and avoided physical contact unless it was invited by any of his 28 young visitors.

Hawkins said the group also will hold an inclusive story book walk from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at All Saints Greek Orthodox Church in Weirton. Reservations also should be made by calling the number above.

There also will be a 5K run-walk for individuals with disabilities on July 19, with details to be posted on the Brooke-Hancock Family Resource Network’s Facebook page.

Kocher said Brooke County Schools serves 578 students from age 3 to 21 with special needs, including youth on the autism spectrum.

She said an early diagnosis of autism and help from school personnel and others in assisting a child’s development is vital.

“We can’t stress enough early intervention so they can become more independent as time goes on,” said Kocher.