Meeting kids' needs

WILMINGTON -- In most after-school programs, an autistic child who feels the need to run or shout might end up in time-out. But at a new center on Kerr Avenue, children can move, sing and play to their hearts' content.

The Autism Society of North Carolina has partnered with Trillium Health Resources on a program for 4- to 18-year-old children on the autism spectrum. The Wilmington Social Recreation Program serves about 30 children, but there are plans to expand and offer adult programming. Trillium has funded sister centers in Bolivia, Newport and Winterville.

"It's very difficult for families whenever they don't have folks who understand how to work with their kids," said David Laxton, spokesman for the autism society. "(This) is really the way that it's supposed to work, and we're hoping that it becomes a model for the rest of the state."

The program has been running since summer in leased spaces around the county. But after renovating the former Salt Shaker Bookstore at 705 S. Kerr Ave., organizers had a permanent place to serve families.

Laxton said 425 students enrolled with New Hanover County Schools have an autism diagnosis, up from 371 five years ago and 209 a decade ago. Right now the program is open only to children in the district, prioritizing those who do not have access to other after-school or summer programs. There is no tuition for accepted families and the center provides buses from school.

"If Mom or Dad need a place for their kids to go so they can keep working, now they have that," Laxton said.

During an open house Thursday, parents and reporters got to peek inside activity rooms labeled "Music and Motion" or "Arts and Crafts." Students colored, played games, read books with staff and danced to music. Timers helped children on the playground keep track of whose turn it was to use the equipment. When one girl got over-excited, she got a calming back rub rather than a scolding.

In the center's cafe, parents shared stories of how the program was helping their children. Mother Jackie Reynolds told the room how her son often asks her when he gets to go back to "A.S.N.C."

"Alex, for a boy with so few words, gets his point across very well," she said. "When he's not happy he lets you know about it, but he's let me know how much he loves it here."

Reporter Cammie Bellamy can be reached at 910-343-2339 or Cammie.Bellamy@StarNewsOnline.com.

Wilmington Social Recreation Program

Location: 705 S. Kerr Ave.

Services: After-school support, summer programs

Children served: 30

Ages covered: 4 to 18

Backer: Trillium Health Resources

Sister locations: Bolivia, Newport, Winterville