By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
While Star, the therapy dog, stole the show at the Barton County Commission meeting Tuesday, bringing awareness to autism was at the forefront of Great Bend Pilot Club member Ros Neeland’s presentation.
Neeland said finding the true causes of autism can sometimes be controversial, but spreading awareness of the condition is always helpful.
"That little child you hear screaming in the grocery store," said Neeland. "The little girl unable to form the words to answer your question. The stranger who stands too close to your bubble. The boy kicking the back of your seat in a public event. Ask yourself...could the reason for their behavior be autism? Then let your response be informed and caring."
Among other activities, the Great Bend Pilot Club each year provides free bicycling helmets to children, is a major sponsor to the Walk to End Alzheimer’s and provides an autism workshop.
"We find speakers who can communicate the best practices to use in the classroom and at home," said Neeland. "We find creative ways to encourage children to learn to their own abilities. We provide encouragement to families. We understand what they're going through. We are standing with them after their diagnosis."
The Barton County Commission approved the proclamation making April “World Autism Acceptance Month.” Autism is a complex, lifelong developmental disability affecting over five million young people and adults.
Star, a golden retriever, made a visit to the Barton County Commissioners Tuesday. The Sunflower Diversified Services dog's main purpose is interacting with children diagnosed with autism.