Meet Wolfie, one of the teens who attended our Spectrum Respite and Recreation event in October.

Wolfie is 17 years old. He has autism and epilepsy. His mom Amy describes Wolfie as a pretty happy kid who loves to swing, swim, watch movies, rock in his recliner, go out to dinner, shoot hoops, visit the Space Needle and play computer games. He dislikes changes in routine, doing activities that he doesn't understand or people being in his personal space.  We asked Amy about what the Gift of Time Spectrum R & R meant for her and Wolfie.

How did Wolfie like the Gift of Time program and what impact did it have for your family?

He was a little nervous going to the "Day of Fun" (a term he can understand). He was initially confused because he thought it was in a different location. Once we got to the church and downstairs and he saw the theater, he was very interested. 🙂 He seemed to have a really good time and was very cheerful when I went to pick him up. When asked if he wanted to do another "Day of Fun," he said "YES!"

As a single parent, respite care is very precious to me. Because Wolfie has grand mal seizures in his sleep, I am often awake a good portion of the evening hours watching over him. We get respite hours from the Developmental Disabilities Administration, but finding providers is difficult. Local agencies have been helpful from time to time, but the care can be inconsistent. Private providers charge between $15-25 per hour which is a strain on us financially. It was such an amazing blessing to be given several hours off to run errands, grocery shop and get the oil changed in my car without dragging my son along. His seizure disorder often wears him out. A day full of errands with him is practically impossible before he needs to decompress.

Would you recommend Gift of Time to others?

I would highly recommend the Gift of Time day to other families. The staff was very attentive to my son's needs and seizure care plan. The day was planned with lots of sensory activities as well as being partnered with a "buddy." The theater, tents, game boy, quiet space in the library and activity tables all showed me that the day was well thought out/planned. The staff to participant ratio was impressive. Each staff member who approached us was cheerful and welcoming. I received a text from one of the program leaders an hour or so after the drop off which made me feel better. (I had forgotten to ask for a phone # to call and check on him.)

I have lived in this area since 2001. I have yet to come across an organization like WAAA that has reached out to bless parents and caregivers of autism families without asking for anything in return.

The next Spectrum Respite and Recreation event is scheduled for December 13.  You can find out more here.