{"id":12663,"date":"2021-06-08T22:40:00","date_gmt":"2021-06-09T02:40:00","guid":{"rendered":"\/blog\/?p=12663"},"modified":"2023-02-10T13:54:09","modified_gmt":"2023-02-10T18:54:09","slug":"autism-spectrum-moms-growing-tribe","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.elfster.com\/blog\/2021\/06\/08\/autism-spectrum-moms-growing-tribe\/","title":{"rendered":"Growing the Tribe: How Autism Spectrum Moms Spread Good Vibes Through Generosity"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"Spectrum<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For some parents of children living on the autism spectrum, family life can seem very different and distant from the experiences of many others. And facing challenges unique to their own family, many parents feel alone in their often highly-structured daily and weekly routines. But growing the tribe through meaningful relationships may be just the connection they need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After all, don\u2019t we all get by with a little help from our friends?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Growing The Tribe<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt originally started over a bus incident and I needed help. The thing is, I knew I was not alone. Other parents had to be feeling this way too. I desperately needed friends who got it, gave virtual high fives and support, even if it\u2019s 2 a.m.\u201d explains autism spectrum mom & community organizer Suzi Noyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ten years ago, Suzi realized she needed to make it her mission to create a community and growing the Tribe of families to fill the gap she experienced in her own life. In her hometown of Hampton Roads, Virginia, Suzi created a non-profit organization to support autism spectrum children and their families by scheduling events specifically geared towards them. Fundraising and creative planning both contribute to the success of these events, often supported through the generosity from local businesses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A visit to Suzi’s Spectrum Parents Facebook group<\/a> tells the story of her big heart, as you\u2019re greeted by warm words of encouragement: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I am a mom, wife, daughter, sister\u2026 I am an amateur photographer, advocate, Realtor, Founder of <\/em>Spectrum Parents Events<\/em><\/a>, a former Special Ed Teacher and Social Worker. My husband and I have two sons with special needs. One has ADHD with anxiety and our youngest has Autism. Our kids are now in their late teens. It does get easier, I promise.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Her community has grown to over 1,800 in just a few short years, confirming the need for having a place to make such valuable connections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Creating a ‘Safe Zone’ for Autism Spectrum Families<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSince starting my non-profit local support group for parents with kids on the autism spectrum, our lives changed,\u201d Suzi says. \u201cNot only did I make friends, but so did my son. From there, my goal was to organize over the top events for autism families who normally wouldn\u2019t leave their homes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And when it comes to planning the perfect events, the sky\u2019s the limit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Collage<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

We like to PLAY. Giggle. Runaway. Go off-roading. Share our biggest fears. Be adventurous. Create incredible memories. Take tons of pics. Ice Skate with Superheroes. Ride in Santa\u2019s Sleigh. Hold each other\u2019s hands. Go Tubing. Watch amazing sunsets. Surf. Laugh till we cry. Enjoy Autism on Ice. Eat scrumptious food with our Breakfast & Lunch Club. Make S\u2019mores. Dance on Tables. Go on Retreats. Make friends. Love Beach Nights. Play Russian Egg-Roulette. Get massages. Cheer each other on. Make Trick or Treating AWESOME again. Explore the unknown. Talk for hours. Celebrate Birthdays. Be there – no matter what.<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI am tickled pink that they are comfortable and take off their coat of armor and attend my events tailored just for autism families. They know it\u2019s a \u2018safe zone.\u2019 There\u2019s no glaring, snickering, or evil glares,\u201d Suzi promises. \u201cWe all need to be accepted and you get that at Spectrum Parents Events.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Spreading Good Vibes Through Generosity<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The month of May was much ado about Moms, including an Elfster gift exchange<\/a> just for the ladies — growing the tribe & spreading good vibes! The exchange theme<\/a> of \u201cLet\u2019s Spoil Each Other\u201d says it all and a Zoom call is in the works to show their gratitude!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Mommy's<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMom\u2019s Day Month<\/a> was spectacular,\u201d Suzi notes. \u201cWe started off with two incredible contests. The first was a one-night stay at The Cavalier<\/a>, a luxury hotel in Virginia Beach for two including brunch and the other was an amazing 10ft longboard from a local surfboard company, Tamarindo Board Co<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Next up was a trip to the farm to \u201cPick Flowers with Mom,\u201d as well as a laughing the night away on a Zoom comedy night, brunching with other moms (in real life) and gifting galore for the moms who took part in the Elfster swap for a little secret Santa fun<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Living with Autism During the Pandemic<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As we all know, the pandemic certainly brought our lives to a screeching halt for over a year, along with the normal routines of our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So how did it affect the kids in Suzi\u2019s group, as well as the families who spent so much time on lockdown?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s been incredibly challenging especially for parents trying to work and be a teacher. Many kids cannot do virtual, so that was a big issue as well. Masks? Ugh. Some kids can do it, others cannot,\u201d Suzi explains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And the routine must go on\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Does the group now see the light at the end of the tunnel with eager anticipation of great adventures to come? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"My<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDuring the pandemic, I kept Spectrum Parents alive by hosting events like Elfster. We\u2019ve also had comedians, magicians, game nights, etc.\u201d she adds. \u201cYes, the light at the end of the tunnel is there and we have beach night, a scavenger hunt at Maymont Park, and a Sensory Farm event set up.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The group has gathered for a variety of events to suit the group, but one of the group\u2019s (and the elves\u2019) favorites is an annual visit with Santa! Kids get to ride in Santa\u2019s sleigh, sit on his lap and get a present. Love it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5 Facts About People Autism:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n