When Sui’s sons were young, spending time in the community was often difficult. She couldn’t always predict her children’s behaviors, and she often felt like people were judging her and her family. “Because of their disabilities and other issues, it was really tough. We couldn’t integrate into the community. People would look at us like ‘why is your son acting that way?’ People said judgmental things, and they just didn’t understand,” she says.
Then, fifteen years ago, Sui found out about Autism Alliance. At the time, her sons Connor and Alex were six and four. “We felt isolated and lonely, and the kids were bored. Activities with Autism Alliance really saved us,” Sui explains. “We took advantage of almost everything they had to offer.”
With Autism Alliance, the family was able to enjoy activities like sensory-friendly movies, Dave & Buster’s, and even the Woo Sox. “No matter how our children behaved, we had no anxiety. The anxiety was completely gone, because we knew weren’t going to be stared at or judged,” she says.
Participating in Autism Alliance events also allowed Sui and her husband to connect with other parents and families, share resources, and find community. “That sense of belonging and the social piece that the Autism Alliance gave us is so important. The staff are such amazing people who are dedicated to kids like mine. We always feel welcome,” says Sui.
Autism Alliance offered Sui’s family practical supports, too. When Connor was eight, he joined a cohort of kids his age for social skills classes where he was able to practice having conversations. He also joined a LEGO club where he could play and practice social skills with kids just like himself. “Autism Alliance gave us funding to participate in those activities,” explains Sui.
Joining group social activities – both those run by and subsidized by Autism Alliance – has helped Connor. “Connor has made a lot of progress over the years. A lot of it has to do with Autism Alliance,” she says.
Today, Connor is 21. He’s about to graduate from college with a degree in accounting. “I’m happy. He’s come such a long way,” his mom says. He often drives his younger brother, Alex, so they can workout at the gym. “Alex is very active. He enjoys shooting hoops, track and field, swimming, and ice skating. As long as he’s busy, he’s happy,” says Sui.
“I’m so glad Autism Alliance is there. We’ve benefited from them so much over the years. They took the loneliness away. With Autism Alliance, we truly felt like we belonged.”
