‘Perfect the way they are’

COEUR d’ALENE — The sounds of laughter and upbeat music filled the air as more than 200 people, including many people with autism and their loved ones, gathered Saturday at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds for the Walk for Autism Acceptance.

“My heart is so blessed that they are here,” said Tiffany Klauba, executive director of Autism Society of Idaho. “We’re here for the same cause.”

Autism is a developmental disorder that can impact a person’s social skills, communication, relationships and self-regulation. In the United States, about one in 36 children born in 2012 has been identified with autism spectrum disorder, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

During the 2021-22 school year, the Idaho State Department of Education indicated that about 11% of special education students had autism. That’s more than 4,000 Idaho students.

These days, Klauba said, most people have some familiarity with autism. But acceptance and support can be lacking.

“We don’t need to change them,” Klauba said. “They’re perfect the way they are.”

Klauba understands this on a deep level because her son has autism.

When he received the diagnosis at three years old, Klauba said the future became uncertain. With few resources available, she didn’t know where to turn to find support for her son.

“I had no idea what autism was,” she said.

Klauba stepped up herself, first volunteering for other organizations before leading the nonprofit Autism Society of Idaho, which is based in Coeur d’Alene.

Waiting lists for services can be lengthy — up to two years, in some cases, Klauba said. In the meantime, people with autism don’t receive the care they need.

Autism Society of Idaho aims to fill those gaps by providing services like support groups and social groups, life skills classes, inclusive events and even training for businesses on how to accommodate autism.

“We are their village,” Klauba said.

The nonprofit provides these services free of charge, relying on grants and donations to fund their work. Those involved are all volunteers.

Shar Voight and Tony Farris, both of Coeur d’Alene, work for Milestone Decisions, which provides support and services for individuals living with intellectual and developmental disabilities. They attended Saturday’s walk with their clients, John and Cody.

“We’re doing what we can to enhance their quality of life,” Farris said.

John and Cody were all smiles as they circled the midway alongside many community members.

“We couldn’t ask for a better day,” Farris said.

Voight said she was glad to participate in a community event meant to encourage the acceptance of autism and autistic people.

“They’re just amazing individuals with a lot to offer,” she said. “They bring a lot of joy to my life, that’s for sure.”

Klauba described her son as outgoing and playful. He’s the first to greet new people — a contrast, perhaps, to the stereotypical idea that some have about what people with autism are like, Klauba said.

“He’s my inspiration and the joy of my life,” she said with a smile. “One day, he’ll understand that this was all for him.”

    Many people with autism and their loved ones joined the Walk for Autism Acceptance on Saturday.