About
Reconnect 4 Autism
Reconnect 4 Autism was designed by professionals that have been touched by a loved one with autism. The program provides outreach to individuals with special needs who can benefit from the services. Reconnect 4 Autism is supported by the partnerships of Corinth/Alcorn Parks and Recreation and Region IV Mental Health Agency, as well as many businesses in the community that are our sponsors. The outreach done by Reconnect reaches all across north Mississippi into Alabama and Tennessee.
Our Mission
We are encouraged by all of the support we have received. It is our heartfelt purpose and goal to be a positive asset to the community. Our main focus is to provide families affected by autism with a welcoming community that promotes positivity and acceptance.
Reconnect is a unique support system because we not only provide assistance with a wide array of autism issues on a professional level, but also we are parents of children on the autism spectrum.
- On a professional level, we can help individuals develop social skills, offer insight on specific behavioral issues, provide information and assistance by accessing helpful resources through the services of Region IV/Timber Hills.
- On a personal level, we strive to create an empathetic environment that facilitates a strong feeling of belonging and emotional support through interactive outreach programs.
Our History
Reconnect 4 Autism has been holding monthly activities for autism families in the Crossroads area since April 2015, when the group held its first annual color run. The group is utilizing the funds from the color run and our many amazing sponsors to host monthly activities for autism families.
The board for Reconnect is comprised of individuals who all work as professionals in various areas of the local community mental health agency, Region IV/Timber Hills. They all are also personally affected by a loved one with an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis. The majority of the board are autism parents themselves who have a desire to see other families in the community have opportunities to be active and supported.
Our Outreach
Already there have been positive experiences from the activities hosted by the group. There have been 4 fun days; one was filled with bouncy houses and a petting zoo! Another outreach was a back-to-school pool party. Our Tricks and Treats Family Fun Fall Festival was a great alternative to traditional trick-or-treating. These activities were designed for autism families. Our team works to make the events as sensory-friendly as possible. One way of doing this is to limit the crowd. Another is to provide an environment of understanding that can produce a natural support system for families to relax and have fun without judgment.
Our Family Movie Events
Another area Reconnect 4 Autism wanted to make possible for families is the opportunity to experience movies in a theater. Malco Theaters was willing to allow Reconnect 4 Autism the opportunity to do just that by offering sensory-friendly films in the Corinth cinema. Going to see the newest movie to come out is something that most families take for granted. To families who have children and other individuals with special needs going to a crowded, dark, and loud movie theater can be a horrible experience, so most give up or never even try.
Reconnect has hosted many sensory-friendly films that averaged over 100 in attendance. There have been new families at each film, with success stories of a child “making it through their very first theater movie,” as the parents have stated with excitement.
To provide the sensory-friendly environment, Malco makes some easy adjustments to the setup of the theater, which include the sound being left low and the lights being left up on dim, so it is not totally dark. These are also fragrance-free, to be respectful to those who may have allergies and sensitivities, so attendees are encouraged not to wear strong perfumes or colognes. Reconnect asks attendees to be mindful and understanding of the target audience. We encourage those in attendance to feel free to move around if needed or even dance and sing along with the movie. Kids have been seen doing just that! With the right adjustments, children who otherwise would be prevented by their anxieties from entering the building have had the courage to dance and have a great time. Families have come prepared in two cars (in case they need to make a dramatic exit as they are used to doing), but with a sigh of relief at the end of the film, parents are smiling with amazement that their child actually made it and even had fun.
Our Future
Reconnect is excited to continue reaching out to more autism and special needs families. There are monthly sensory-friendly films scheduled. These movies are open to all who have special needs and could benefit from a more sensory-friendly opportunity. As we continue forward, we strive to make connections with various businesses and groups in the area so that we can offer the greatest opportunities for autism families to get out, be active, and most of all, feel supported in all they do.
At this time, Reconnect is primarily about providing outreach opportunities for individuals and families. There are no direct therapeutic services being offered or provided through Reconnect 4 Autism at this time. We hope to continue our growth and support to where this can become a possibility. For more direct therapy services, contact Region IV Mental Health about possible services. The outreach of Reconnect 4 Autism will continue its goal of providing social activities and opportunities to families. The saying goes that “it takes a village to raise a child.” We want to be a positive piece of the puzzle for autism families.
A Note about Child Safety
We promote involvement from the entire family. When families as a whole are involved, then safety can best be achieved for each individual participant. Having professionals be directly involved with the planning and carrying out of activities also ensures a safer environment. As employees of a professional mental health agency, we have each had background checks and training for working with children and special needs families. We each hold professional credentials and licenses that are connected to a set of ethical standards that we pledge to uphold.
We plan to host community trainings where volunteers can gain the knowledge they need to better assist our target audience. Trust is a huge reason more autism families are not more active in the community, so we want to help change this!