Hillsdale County community focuses on autism awareness and understanding

In April, Hillsdale mayor Adam Stockford put forth a proclamation for Autism Awareness Month. But initiatives for awareness didn't stop at month's end.

Within Hillsdale County, there are people ranging from young children to adults on the spectrum. The community has been working proactively to increase awareness and understanding.

Several books focused on autism spectrum disorder have appeared on the shelves of Hillsdale Community Library. Writers and artists with autism are making their names known.

Parents of children with autism are working to create more resources within the community for other parents and their children. Kristy Mac is one of those parents.

Liz Burr was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder at age 5. Now in her early 20s, Burr is an artist, published author and personal advocate for ASD.

“I didn’t know much about autism when I was younger, but when I started to get older, I didn’t question much about it," Burr said. "I never understood what that was. But I wasn’t very good at communication. I would not like to touch the grass with my feet. It just seemed like I was different than other kids. I started being embarrassed about it because I wasn’t fitting in ... but you can’t be ashamed of who you are."

Burr graduated from high school on the honor roll two years in a row. She has written a trilogy of books called "New Dimension" and currently sells her paintings online.

Her objective within her community is to be an advocate for children with autism and encouraging them to accept the situation and to be proud of themselves.

“Don’t be afraid of what others tell you," she said. "You have your strengths and your weaknesses. But you’re never a failure. A failure is someone who gives up. You are learning and growing and progressing in some way. What are your strong points? You’re never a failure unless you give up on yourself.”

Mac wants to create a group for children with autism and their mothers to connect with each other and find encouragement, advice and understanding.

“I know I had to learn so much from research and trial and error,” Mac said. “A support group, per se, would be so amazing to help fellow mommas navigate and learn how to get what their child needs. Plus, to have friends that truly know and understand what we go through. To help each other when we’re overwhelmed or at a loss as to what to do.”

Mac’s son was diagnosed at age 5 after his preschool teacher affirmed Mac’s assumption.

“He had a lot of blank stares, didn’t like eye contact," Mac said. "A lot of sensory issues from about 3 months old and on. He’s very smart. At age 5 the University of Michigan said he was mentally 11, but a few years behind in behavior. He’s been in therapy since, which has helped a lot.”

Mac said it was a challenge to learn how accommodate her son’s needs, but she echoed Burr’s sentiment. Her son has his strengths and weaknesses, like anyone else.

Another purpose of the group she wants to create is to help find friends for her son and services that can help him succeed. Mac said her son’s strengths lie in coding and learning about electronics.

“He’s so into it," she said. "But he’s still my cuddle-buddy. Glad he hasn’t outgrown that yet.”

Autism is prevalent, but there are few community-led resources to help children and adults with autism succeed. Two notable organizations within Hillsdale support developmentally disabled residents. Key Opportunities provides occupation assistance through referrals, and SPARC hosts “programs and activities for all ages” according to its website.

This article originally appeared on Hillsdale Daily News: Hillsdale County community focuses on autism awareness, understanding