Step Up for Autism walk benefits Little Friends

It’s easy for those of us who don’t know Alec Erickson to label him, starting with his diagnosis.

Asperger’s syndrome, a developmental disorder on the autism spectrum.

With that comes a host of tags: introverted, socially isolated, unreceptive to change.

Vera Erickson sees her son in different terms.

Skilled. Successful. Prepared.

A blessing.

Alec was in fifth grade when he was diagnosed and the family sought out Little Friends Inc., a Naperville-based, nonprofit group dedicated to helping children and adults who have developmental disorders, including those on the autism spectrum.

Little Friends offers a range of services, from evaluation and family education to speech and occupational therapy. Programs for adults teach life skills, offer job training and help clients move toward living independently.

Four schools — in Downers Grove, Glen Ellyn and two in Naperville — aim to teach children in small groups with individualized education plans in settings that respect students’ sensitivities.

Alec attended Little Friends’ Krejci Academy in Naperville for seven years before transferring to his traditional local high school. He graduated this year.

With honors.

Vera Erickson has seen what children and adults can accomplish in the face of challenges, and she has seen the difference Little Friends has made for Alec. It’s her motivation to walk Sunday, June 26, in the Step Up for Autism event benefiting Little Friends.

Today, the Shorewood resident tells us more about the support Alec and the family have received from Little Friends.

My name is Vera Erickson, and my son Alec was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome in the fifth grade. This June, I will participate in my third Step Up for Autism walk to benefit Little Friends.

When I was asked, “Why do you walk?” the answer came quickly: to give back some of what my family has been given. The harder job is putting into words the victories and joy that our family has seen since we found Little Friends and Krejci Academy.

Families affected by autism will tell you that few people understand autism. Most people tend to think that just because your child looks like a normal child, they should act like a normal child. Asperger’s affects a child’s ability to interact socially. It was difficult bringing my child to any social settings or allowing him to participate in public sports. Alec turned 12 before he had his first real friend.

But the important part of our story is not the struggles but the successes. My son went to school at Krejci Academy for seven years and received many worthwhile services from Little Friends. Through the agency’s monthly Respite Program, he worked on social skills and interactions with other autistic children. He then applied those skills “in the real world” at stores, restaurants and movie theaters.

Over the last seven years, the dedicated staff and volunteers worked very hard with very few resources — and we saw remarkable progress. Alec would not be the successful young man he is today had it not been for the love and hard work of all those at Krejci and Little Friends.

My son has the skills to overcome obstacles and succeed, and he is prepared for whatever his future holds. Last year, Alec moved to our local high school as a senior and this year he graduated — magna cum laude!

On a personal level, I began to see that autism was a blessing and not a curse. I have learned to appreciate the small things in life and know that nothing should be taken for granted — enjoy each and every day! My husband and I are closer. We’re more forgiving and understanding with each other and with our other two children. Our family is more patient, caring and loving.

All of us need to acknowledge and embrace our differences as blessings instead of pointing them out as weaknesses and failures. A day doesn’t go by that I am not thankful my child is who he is.

Even though life throws challenges at you on a daily basis, you need not be defeated — you can find a way around any obstacle. Nothing is too big to overcome if we work together and help each other.

I have been involved with the Step Up for Autism walk since its inaugural year as a member of the planning committee and a participant. We have always had a wonderful time. The walk is family friendly and we post autism facts along the route to educate walkers. There are great activities for kids with or without autism.

If you want to find out more about this year’s walk, please visit stepupforautism2011.kintera.org and join my team: Rosey’s Rainbow. I hope you will lace up your shoes and Step Up for Autism!

So, why do I walk? I walk so that Little Friends can help other families touched by autism celebrate victories and find joy.