Therese Elias has been involved with the Battlefords Society for Autism since its beginnings in 1995.
She and her husband were one of two couples with autistic sons who met to discuss the great need for a support system and to raise awareness of autism in the Battlefords and surrounding area. Terry and Leo Wiegers were the other couple. On March 16, the society was organized as a non-profit organization.
Socialization for persons with autism and their families were key to the organization. Social events and mutual support played an important role in activities such as swimming, bowling, picnics and Christmas parties. Three conferences have also been organized.
The society has also sponsored parents, teacher aides and various individuals to attend conferences to benefit in the teaching and support of autistic individuals. As well, it has donated scholarships to four students with autism graduating from high school, and contributed $5,000 toward the development of a sensory room at Holy Family School.
Respite care is also important in the delivery of care to members. A summer student program is carried out annually with university students providing individual respite care to autistic persons and their families.
Of course, fundraising has been essential to meet operations costs, and some of the fundraising projects have included an annual raffle, bingo, bake sales and garage sales.
Terry Wiegers says they have had great support from students from John Paul II Collegiate recently, who have been helping with bingos, and from the JPII Key Club, who have been helping with the now annual awareness walk and bake sales.
Schools can be corporate members in the society, as John Paul II Collegiate is, and so can organizations, as is Battlefords Residential Services Inc. Then there are also individual and family memberships.
Currently, says Wiegers, one of the focuses of the society is to re-establish a parent/family support group.
Monday evening, the society hosted its annual Christmas party, with turkey, ham and potluck, Christmas carols and presents. About 40 people attended.
Other social events annually include two swimming trips, two bowling events, a summer epic and an awareness walk in the fall.
