Elliott speaks to Empowering Autism

Sept. 06--FHF is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping children and adults with disabilities.

Their mission statement reads "our mission is to enable and empower individuals with disabilities and their families by providing information, referral, education, training, peer support and advocacy skills. Our vision is that all individuals with disabilities have the opportunity to attend school, live, work and play in their own community."

The organization serves Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron and Jeff Davis Parishes by helping to assist those with disabilities and their caregivers.

Elliott spoke to the group about her personal experience raising her autistic daughter, who also has an intellectual disability. She spoke of the challenges she had raising her daughter and how it seems like there isn't any support for parents.

Elliott answered questions from parents ranging on a wide variety of subjects such as education plans, getting financial assistance, healthcare and learning how to find the support they need. Elliott expressed how the families of those with disabilities often get isolated and overwhelmed when trying to give their loved one the best possible care.

"I want to let all parents and caregivers know that there is support out there. You are not alone. Look for help from groups like this, Families Helping Families and Empowering Autism. We can help each other out, give each other good information, and support one another." Elliot shared.

Jeff Wainright is the founder of Empowering Autism and offered his support to new members of the support group.

Empowering Autism serves as a support group where caregivers of those on the autism spectrum can exchange helpful information and provide support for one another.

The group works to advocate for a better public awareness of the abilities and challenges autistic citizens have in their daily lives.

"I'm glad that so many new faces could come out to our meeting and hear what Mylinda had to say," said Wainwright. "Unfortunately parents of autistic children often become isolated from their own family and friends because their family and friends do not understand autism. We want to be there and support these parents and caregivers."

Families Helping Families can be contacted 337-436-2570, and Empowering Autism meets once a month in DeRidder at Barksdale Federal Credit Union at 7 p.m. on the first Wednesday of each month. Empowering Autism can be contacted via their official Facebook page.

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