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Special needs children run first race at Quad

The Gallup Independent - 2/22/2018

GRANTS - Families involved with the Cibola County Autism Support Group had a chance to be a part of the Mount Taylor Kids Quad Race Saturday when the annual Mount Taylor Quadrathlon held it's first race for special needs children.

A group of five children ran the race, some have autism and some were their siblings. Each finisher got a medal at the finish line. Young Landen Smith said that his favorite part of the race was riding his bike.

The Cibola County Autism Support Group was chosen by the Mount Taylor Quad Planning Committee as their charity partner. Committee leader, Stephanie Gaines, said that a portion of each racer's registration fee was to be donated to the support group, and Maverik's Property Management matched them.

The group came out with $1,700, which will no doubt help them toward their goals of assisting families with autistic children and educating the community on the subject.

The race held important significance for some.

"The race itself is exciting, being able to do it." said Savanna Stephens, who also helps run the group, "I was most excited about our kids being accepted and having support was very encouraging. Feeling like they were a part of the community, and even though they have differences they were still accepted by everyone."

Ongoing efforts

The group hopes to repeat the race next year and try to get more participants. In the meantime it's back to business as usual. For organizers Lynette Torivio and Savanna Stephens that means putting on training classes, and planning awareness events, all while helping families with individual issues.

Torivio founded the group four years ago, starting with her background of being a helpful, expressive advocate for her daughter, Kamryn, who was diagnosed with autism at age 4.

Torivio researched information on autism to the point that she became a resource for others in the community to come to with questions. She then sought out the executive director of the New Mexico Autism Society to ask about starting the group.

The group now has events such as training for parents, group activities for kids, and activities for National Autism Awareness Month in April, and World Autism Awareness Day April 2.

Torivio explained that the diagnosis of autism is an emotional process, which can feel lonely and confusing.

"There's not really a road map. The group helps to navigate things after the diagnosis."

Life afterward is never the same, according to Torivio. She said life after the diagnosis involves therapy, training classes, Individualized Education Plans and learning to deal with behaviors on a daily basis. Parents learn to scan a room for any potential hazards or thought-disrupting elements that most others would overlook, such as a low hum coming from lighting, or a strong smell in the room. It's not always the same activities. The group recently finished putting together binders for emergency situations. They are detailing therapy times and medical information

While the members like the information that is shared, there are other elements that keep them involved.

Tiffany Touchin, a parent, joined the group two years ago after her son's diagnosis.

"Being a part of this group has helped me realize that I'm not alone in this. It's accomplishing small milestones and being proud of it, being able to accept the challenge that we are faced with," she said. "There's somebody to talk to, somebody who knows what I'm going through, and people who have more experience. It's great just to have someone to vent to."

Touchin was asked where she thinks she would if she hadn't sought out the group.

"I'd probably be going about a lot of stuff the wrong way. It is a learning process. I have a different approach to things now. Everything is on my son's schedule, sometimes I realize that I need to take a step back because I'm rushing him. I try to tell myself when we need to slow down," she said,

The group serves families in Grants, Pueblo of Acoma, Laguna Pueblo, Milan, San Rafael and Prewitt. They hope to serve more. There is also a need for a group in Gallup but the initiative needs people to get it started.

NMAS Developmental Specialist Christina Angel Jolly applauded the Cibola groups efforts.

"It's really good, this part of New Mexico is under-served. It's good for our families to have that connection and community so they don't feel alone."

Torivio said that their meetings are open to anyone who wants to learn more about autism. Her motto is "the more the merrier".

"The whole mission is to spread awareness and advocate for inclusion in all aspects, being aware that there are special needs kids that want to be included," she said.

Information: Lynette Torivio 505-917-4363 or email her at lynettetorivio@nmautismsociety.org.