Autism Society of WV-Putnam chapter, hosts a family picnic

By ANYA WAKEFIELD

The Putnam Herald

HURRICANE - The Putnam Chapter of the Autism Society of West Virginia hosted a picnic on June 9 at Valley Park, providing a chance for local families with children on the autism spectrum to enjoy food and games in a supportive atmosphere.

Re-established in 2016, the Putnam Chapter has been a valuable resource for the community. Chapter President Nathalie Henchey is a Registered Nurse, an autism advocate and a winner of Jefferson Award for community volunteering. As a mother of an autistic son (Olivier, 19), Henchey said, she deeply understands the challenges that parents face. By starting a chapter she wanted to bring local families of autistic children together.

She said her goal is to provide a variety of events designed for sensory challenged children where socializing is a key benefit.

"Socializing is hard (for people with autism), so these events really help," Henchey said.

The chapter works closely with local groups and organizations to raise awareness and offer training on how to properly approach the unique behavioral situations and provide first response if a child is having seizures, which can be life-threatening. The Putnam Chapter currently has 20 member families. Monthly meetings take place at 2 p.m. on the first Saturday of each month at St. Timothy's-in-the-valley Episcopal Church. Membership is free of charge.

You can follow the group on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ASWVPutnam, or contact Henchey directly at 304-993-1371 for more information.