Autism center offers more resources
ZELIENOPLE — A grant and an ample need for community have extended game time on Main Street.
Parents in Toto's Autism Resource Center is starting 2020 with expanded hours, meaning that people who love the space can spend more time in it. Among other changes, the center is now open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the first three Saturdays of each month, including community game time from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.
The nonprofit originated in 2008 from a community support group launched by its executive director, Mary Limbacher. It provides support groups and programs for families and individuals living with autism.
Megan Shane, the group's outreach manager, said they've learned over the years of the massive local need for simple leisure time in a space that accepts and understands people with autism. She said the group offers all of its services for free, and it doesn't require any proof of diagnosis, stripping away much of the gatekeeping that can keep visitors away from other helpful organizations.
In particular, programs like the Saturday game days can be an outlet for young adults, Shane said, because it can provide a much-needed social venue.
“A lot of these young adults don't have anything else like this,” Shane said Saturday, talking over the roar of video games and laughter filling the center. “They don't all have regular employment or many social opportunities.”The center is bursting with color and activity. Art from visitors covers many of the walls. In the back, a purple door labeled “sensory room” opens to a brightly decorated spot with a glowing water-filled lamp and a disco ball.On a calendar in one corner, one of the center's staff members wrote in all capital letters in the square for Jan. 5: “NEW SCHEDULE STARTS!!!”Kimberly Bingham said she has attended Parents in Toto events since 2012, and she's excited to spend extra time there.“I'm starting to like the new changes around here,” Bingham said. “I'm having a lot of fun getting to meet new people.”
Bingham has declared herself the “celebrity” of the center. Included on the walls is a drawing she made titled “Girl Power,” while a shelf contains a published book of her drawings and writings. She's also a ventriloquist, according to the center's staff.“I love it here,” Bingham said. “Ever since I started coming here, I've been starting to know more people.”Expanded programming is largely due to a more-than-$90,000 grant from the Edith L. Trees Charitable Trust, Shane said. They hope to continue growing, as they believe there still is more need for autism support and community building than they're current able to serve. The group is funded exclusively by donations and grants.In 2019, they estimate that more than 700 individuals attended one of their programs or groups, and Shane said she believes that to be a conservative estimate.About 1 in 59 children has been identified with autism spectrum disorder, according to the Center for Disease Control's Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network.
