Auction benefits Autism Center of Southeastern Ohio

It is the philosophy of the Washington County Board of Developmental Disabilities that all people have value and the right to belong in the community, to pursue opportunity and to exercise meaningful choices.

The Autumn Auction, planned for Saturday at Ewing School, will help the board help others by raising money for the Autism Center of Southeastern Ohio. It has been a labor of love to put it all together.

"We started planning in April, and it really has been a village," said Theresa Skinner, who has been with the board since 1980. "We are very blessed, given the state of the economy, that we have had many generous donations and tremendous support from the community."

With emotion in her voice, Skinner also commended the tireless efforts of the combined staff from the WCBDD and WASCO.

"The staff is very indicative of the kind of work we do. This event has really been a team-building effort. Everyone has been wonderful," she said.

According to the Autism Society, one in 150 children has some form of autism spectrum disorder and it is the fastest growing developmental disability. Some of the symptoms of autism include difficulty in expressing needs, using gestures or pointing instead of words, laughing and/or crying for no apparent reason, tantrums, not wanting to cuddle or be cuddled and little or no eye contact.

The autism center provides a variety of therapeutic services in individual and group formats, as well as for families. There are also educational offerings, regular activities for autistic children and their families and a residential location providing a program for 9- to 14-year-olds.

Toby and Beth Eddy's son, Craven, 6, was officially diagnosed with autism at 18 months and his parents have relied on help from the WCBDD as Craven undergoes treatment.

"It's been hard," Toby Eddy admits, adding that he and his wife are grateful for the local resources offered by the WCBDD. Beth Eddy now sits on the board and the family has also donated items for the auction.

"They have helped out with paying for lab work and testing because insurance won't cover any of it," Toby Eddy said. "It has been a huge help."

More information about the autism program and other services offered by the WCBDD can be found online at wcbdd.org.