Heather Ridsdale found a novel solution to the problem of driving her 13-year-old autistic son to meetings in Calgary each week. She started holding meetings in their hometown of Okotoks.

Ridsdale is a director of the new Foothills chapter of the Autism Asperger’s Friendship Society, a non-profit organization that provides care for families and children with autism. Each Thursday and Saturday the new chapter hosts social activities for youth who have autism or Asperger syndrome.

Heather Ridsdale, left, and Caroline St-Pierre are co-directors of the new foothills chapter of the Autism Asperger's Friendship Society. photo by Rick Northrop

“Not only does it provide them social skills with their peers, but it’s also learning life skills as well,” said Ridsdale.

Ridsdale’s son Grady was diagnosed with autism four years ago.

Originally, Ridsdale made the long trek to Calgary so Grady could take part in social outings. However, Ridsdale found juggling dinner, homework and the long drive to be too much.

In December 2009, she and Caroline St- Pierre, co-director of the new chapter, met with Calgary chapter executives and they expressed an interest in branching out to the foothills area.

“We just took the ball and ran with it,” said Ridsdale.

Earlier this month a new three-month pilot project started in Okotoks. Twice weekly the new chapter holds fun activities like video game nights, bowling and swimming for children who are on the autism spectrum.

“It’s social skills and it’s life skills and it’s fun,” said Ridsdale.

Autism and Asperger’s are related. Autism and Asperger’s are disorders characterized by impaired social interaction, communication skill and restricted, repetitive behaviour or interests.

Being in public places allows children with either disorder to interact with the general public. Even doing something like ordering from a menu can turn into a positive activity for people with Asperger’s or autism.

“I think it’s a combination of a lot of skills that they can really develop and practice,” said Ridsdale.

On March 27, the new chapter is holding a social night where parents of autistic children can connect with staff and socialize. Parents of children with Asperger’s syndrome or autism frequently attend educational events and don’t find many opportunities to socialize, said Ridsdale.

“A lot of parents with kids on the spectrum don’t go out very much,” said Ridsdale.

St. Pierre, who has worked disabled children for seven years including the last five with autistic children, said the local chapter will fill a void in the foothills community.

“Providing families with social opportunities within their own community is desperately needed in the foothills area,” said St- Pierre.

Parents and children are invited to a meet and greet at the Okotoks Recreation Centre at the chapter events scheduled for Feb. 25 and 27.

St- Pierre and Ridsdale said they would one day like to construct a facility comparable to the clubhouse in Calgary, but for now will focus on running the pilot project.

For more information on AAFS visit www.aafscalgary.com/foothills or contact Ridsdale at 403-831-7323 or St- Pierre at 403-807-9026.

rnorthrop@okotoks.greatwest.ca

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