Team Autism 24/7 announces grants

SANDPOINT — Team Autism 24/7 continued its tradition Thursday of helping kids on the spectrum and their caregivers through endless commitment.

The nonprofit sprung from cross-country cycling teams, which raced across the  nation in 2011 and 2012 to raise funds for local autism organizations and improve the quality of life of families living with autism.

“We race 24/7 to help families that live with autism 24/7,” said Team Autism 24/7 executive director Wayne Pignolet, whose close friend’s son and grandniece have been diagnosed.

Cycling is still very much part of the group’s DNA, having hosted its third annual Crosstoberfest cyclocross race in Sandpoint last fall. But the organization’s core mission is to promote awareness and understanding of autism and its challenges and gifts.

“We want the families living on the spectrum to live a better life,” adds Pignolet.

To that end, the group distributed grant awards to area children with autism in addition to their caregivers and counselors. The awards ranged from continuing education to iPad tablet computers, headphones and even a tricycle.

Erin McClure, a physical therapist for Lake Pend Oreille School District special services, said she was excited about the trike, which will help autistic students interact with their family and peers.

“It’s a really great way to get them out into the community,” said McClure, who added that the trike may jump start an interest in a lifelong activity.

Sam Baker, 6, received a weighted vest, which was appropriately paired with a small bouquet of balloons.

A number of children received iPads, much to the delight of one grandmother who will now get her smartphone back. Counselors also received the devices.

“This is wonderful,” said counselor Jonathan Quinn-Hurst, who works with kids between the ages of 4 and 17. “I wrote the grant to use the

apps for zones of regulation and social thinking. This is going to be extremely useful.”

Lori Stone, meanwhile, received items for Sandpoint Middle School’s life skills program. They included a variety of headphones.

“Sometimes the enthusiasm in the classroom gets a little noisy for our sensory processing kids, so we asked for some noise-deafening headphones that they can use at their discretion when things get a little too lively,” said Stone.

The school also received quality audio headphones so students can listen to music as a reward for meeting daily objectives.

Team Autism 24/7 administrator Jen Christensen said board members had to make some tough choices due to the number of requests during the grant cycle.

“We got an overwhelming response of grant applications and it was very hard for the board to decide,” Christensen said.

• Info: teamautism247.com