Dear Addie,
This past weekend we had a quick break in our usual organized chaos to head out to our happy place, for a little rest and relaxation. Just kidding rest and relaxtion aren't really part of our vocabulary, but a change in scenery is always nice right?! Now as luck would have it the local Autism Society of NC chapter was having an event, so with no time like the present, we decided it might be fun and exciting to join in on this. "Fun at the Farm" Outer Banks Autism society of NC edition - Let's do this!
Now that you are almost fourteen years old, and since this is probably the first time I've spoken to you about the Autism Society, it might warrant a little more in depth explanation of just want this society is and does.
The Autism Society of North Carolina (ASNC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting individuals with autism and their families, as well as continually educating communities. They provide a variety of services and programs to help those navigating what can be a very complicated—and sometimes lonely—journey through autism. Their main goal is to help individuals lead healthy, safe, fulfilling, and as independent lives as possible within their communities.
Additionally, many local chapters create support groups led by some pretty amazing and dedicated volunteers. These groups offer social activities, educational opportunities, while also raising that all too important awareness within their communities, in addition to providing a safe space for families to meet and share their experiences. Now having said all that this led us to Jarvisburg, NC for a little "Fun at the Farm" sponsored by the OBX Support Group ASNC, hosted by an absolutely lovely indiviual named Sam at the MANE & TAILL Therapeutic Horsemanship Academy - Here we go!
Ok so if I'm being honest even with years of farm camp experience, you are still not a huge fan of farm animals, so there was no telling exactly how this was all going to go. All we knew for sure is that this was a safe space for whatever autism was about to throw our way. So One Team One Dream party of four edition (big sisters at college) headed out to the farm for a little exposure therapy.
The weather that day couldn't have been more perfect, 72 degrees, sunny, with a light breeze. A small group of us arrived and while waiting on a few more, we wasted no time needing a clothing change. Mark it Ad, I've changed you in a lot of places, but a barn...this was a first for me. All fresh and clean we were ushered over with the rest of the crew to be introduced to the horses. While 3/4 of our dream team enjoyed this interaction, you could've done without and seem to do well tolerating the gentle giants. We'll take this as a win, as no meltdown occured.
Next up were the goats. I can understand why some people might feel apprehensive about visiting them. They resemble something like a hyperactive dog that has had too much sugar and coffee! Their behavior is quite unpredictable; they seem to have a "rules don't apply to me" mentality, eating whatever they like, standing on tables and roofs, and running around while head-butting each other. Although they may sound delightfully crazy, they were actually quite friendly.
During this portion of the farm experience, usually only children are allowed in the goat pens. However, since these goats enjoy some of your favorite activities—like playing slides, splashing in small wading pools filled with water, and bouncing on a trampoline which were all present inside this pen —we thought it'd be best to join you on this adventure. I could just picture you playfully head-butting a goat for some trampoline time!
After the great goat encounter, we were all set for, drumroll please...if you said a second clothing change in the barn, you are the winner and ready for some games with friends.
We returned to the main area, where we participated in a game that entailed riding a plastic pitchfork like a witches broom to scoop up a pumpkin and carry it back to our starting point. You either listen to the rules loosely or channeled your inner goat where rules are merely a suggestion, as you abandoned your pitchfork halfway and happily skipped back while holding your pumpkin.
While there was plenty more fun to be had, at this point you had started to show signs that maybe you were overstimulated and that was our cue that it was time to head out.
Addie, this past weekend, we had the opportunity to make new friends through a chapter of the Autism Society of NC in the Outer Banks. We feel truly blessed to enjoy these family fun activities while forging new connections along the way. We are also forever grateful to all the volunteers who make these events possible.
Not sure I'd add Farmer to your future occupations just yet, but you did really well.
Great Job Ad.
Love,
Mom
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