Post Falls school supports those affected by autism

POST FALLS –”About a month ago, my sister called me up and said, ‘Hey, I’ve got a mom in the mourning period’,” said Danelle Baumgarten-Pickett, the new parent volunteer for fundraising at Panhandle Autism Society. “Generally what that means is that the mom just found out that her perfect little child has autism.”

Autism is a developmental disability that usually appears during a child’s first three years. It’s the result of a neurological disorder that affects the typical functioning of the brain. It makes it difficult to interact verbally, nonverbally, socially or any other way with others.

Autism affects 1.5 million Americans and comes in several different forms. Some autistic people seem normal, but don’t get along with other people. Others are obviously affected. It’s believed that Albert Einstein and Isaac Newton had autism, genius in certain areas and unable to function well in others.

The Panhandle Autism Society, which has a school in Post Falls, is committed to helping people with autism. One main area of focus is building relationships, which is difficult for people who have autism to accomplish. Classes are small – some only one student until they can handle being in a room with others.

Baumgarten-Pickett’s 12-year-old son, Jesse has Asperger’s disorder, a high-functioning autism generally with a fixation on one or more things.

“My son’s fixation is Egypt and volcanoes and anything you can create with Legos,” she said.

People with Asperger’s are often misunderstood in the regular school system. “Jesse looks and speaks normally, so when he acts differently the other kids don’t understand,” Baumgarten-Pickett said. “Last year he was shoved in lockers, beat up and teased. It’s heartbreaking to hear your child tell you how he’s going to kill himself because he’s so unhappy.”

Jesse suffers not only from Asperger’s, but also has ADHD, ODD and depression, which are common for people with autism. He was unable to function well in the regular schools, and his mom turned to the Panhandle Autism Society.

“Jesse attends their pilot program and I don’t think that I can ever say enough positive things about them,” she said. “Last year he was in danger of flunking the sixth grade. Now, he’s almost a straight ‘A’ student, and the difference is, he wants to go to school.”

Jesse’s mother says he’s doing better not only academically, but socially as well. He has a best friend for the first time in his life.

“He’s a seventh-grader in freshman math, reads at the same level I do, and has read the entire ‘Harry Potter’ series,” Baumgarten-Pickett said. “Jesse’s IQ is up there. He’s probably one of the smartest people I’ve ever met, but his common sense is – well, he just doesn’t have any.”

Baumgarten-Pickett said she believes public schools don’t have the resources to work with children on the autism spectrum. This is where PAS steps in.

“Panhandle Autism is publicly funded,” she said. “They survive entirely on donations, and they’re broke. They’re having a hard time keeping the school they have open and providing the different support areas for people with autism.”

Baumgarten-Pickett is determined to help keep the school open. She says school backers hired a grant writer and are hoping to receive a grant that will help in the upcoming year. She hopes to raise enough funds to help them hang on in the meantime.

“I gotta tell you,” said Baumgarten-Pickett. “I wouldn’t trade Jesse for a normal child. I don’t think I could handle it. It sounds kind of odd because of the emotional roller coaster ride it’s been, but – he’s such a joy.”