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Gaming group is helping autistic kids and their parents

June 04--John and Christal Barton of Lincoln County are parents to three boys who are "on the spectrum," the autism spectrum.

They're well-acquainted with the joys of parenting kids who aren't "neurotypical," and they're also aware of the needs that autistic kids and their families face.

While autism is one of the fastest-growing development disorders in the nation -- impacting 1 in 68 American children, with boys being five times more likely than girls to be diagnosed, according to data by Autism Speaks -- John Barton said May 11 that autism can lead kids on the spectrum and their parents to feel socially isolated.

He and Christal are working to change that throughout the state with Spectrum Gaming -- a social gaming group for spectrum kids and their parents.

"One of the things we've realized, even with the autism groups in the area, is that autism families are on this rigid type schedule," Barton explained. "If you remember what those first few weeks or months were, after giving birth, when everything is 24/7, that's what it's like for these families.

"Most autism families are unable to find child care," he explained. "It's not the kind of thing you can just post on Facebook or call up a 12-year-old kid in the area.

"For many families unless they have family that's nearby, they don't have any sort of child care options. We're looking to help other people, support other people."

The Bartons established the Spectrum Gaming group to help autistic kids connect with one another.

Their monthly Teays Valley area meetings have become so popular that they are now offering support to parents around West Virginia and Ohio who want to establish similar groups in their own towns.

The gaming group not only lets kids socialize in a unique setting, it allows parents an opportunity to support one another and to trade tips and resources.

"Part of the definition of spectrum is communication problems, relationship problems, problems forming attachments with other people," Barton, a teacher, explained. "(We're) creating a space that is accepting of them, of any communication or verbal problems or the fact that they're nonverbal, that lets them participate in something they enjoy doing.

"Many kids on the spectrum enjoy video games," he added. "Not all, but many, and they can participate in something they enjoy and they like with other people that appreciate them."

Many parents of autistic children have watched in heartbreak as their child has had trouble making friends in a neurotypical school or other social setting, he explained.

One parent recenlty told him that her autistic child eats lunch alone every day. One family pulled their child from school because she was being bullied, and one parent told Barton she'd gone to her son's school and saw that he was standing alone by the trash cans, eating his lunch.

Barton said the Spectrum Gaming group, which has received funding from Familes Leading Change and partners with Job for West Virginia Graduates, has transformed the social lives of both kids on the spectrum and their parents.

When they come to Spectrum Gaming, Barton said, parents may feel a little cautious about their children's socialization. Barton invites them to situate their child near the console and spend time watching.

"That gives them time to make sure that the kids are safe," he said. "Then, we'll kind of let the parents know there's a sitting area, and they can go there, and we'll let conversation kind of start up among the parents, and we'll do an introduction and talk about support resources.... what are you looking for? What do you need? What kind of problems or struggles are you dealing with right now?

"They'll get up and make sure everything's going OK with the kids and come back and be able to talk with other parents that get it."

Some families travel hours to the monthly meetings, currently held at Bright Futures Learning Services.

"This group has been a game changer for my son," said Tabatha Wagoner-Hager of the Chapmanville area, whose 16-year-old son was diagnosed with Asperger, attention deficit disorder and anxiety. "He is the most kind and caring person I know, but he can't interact with people," she said.

"He doesn't talk to kids at school or at home. Since we found the group, he counts down the days."

She said her son loves the game Dungeons and Dragons but that the social aspect gives her the most satisfaction.

"The best part is, he talks to other boys," she said. "He feels comfortable enough to be himself with them. As a parent, that's all you want, is your child to find a place, any place, they fit in."

She said the time is good for parents, too.

"It's a place for parents to interact with other parents that get you and understand," she said. "I can't thank John enough for giving this to us."

After Barton established the first group, parents in other parts of the state heard of it and expressed interest. Autism services in the state is hit-or-miss in many areas, and the Bartons want to help families whose kids are "on the spectrum."

Barton's goal is to set up similar local groups, and he has currently launched an online fundraiser, "Give a Hamilton" through www.gofundme.com. He is asking West Virginians to give a "Hamilton," or $10, to help local groups purchase gaming equipment and start their own local chapters.

He said he would also like to speak with parents in the Beckley area who are interested in establishing a local Spectrum Gaming group.

"Many of the families we come in contact with, they enjoy and appeciate their kid, they get their kid, but there's an isolation," he explained. "They have a family structure that is unique for them, but doesn't really have other relationships, not just for the child with autism but for the parents of that family, as well.

"Finding something that brings families together and gives them an opportunit to share their struggles and their enjoyment with other people who get it ... that's why we're doing this."

The next Spectrum Gaming group will be from noon to 3 p.m.June 23 at Bright Futures Learning Services in Winfield.

More information is available on Facebook at WV Autism, a group founded by the Bartons, or by emailing wvautism@gmail.com or at Autism Families in WV: Rise Up! on www.gofundme.com

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