Dealing with Asperger's Syndrome is no small task for parents. Findlay Automotive Group supports local efforts to heighten local awareness for the autism spectrum disorder.
Like any good dad, Ben McKenna can rattle off his son Justen’s favorite things and achievements without blinking an eye. His son loves bowling, football, fishing and camping. The Avengers are a big deal for the 12-year-old, who excels at math. The kid can also can speak fluent French, Spanish and is learning Mandarin.
“My son has autism,” said Ben McKenna. “He’s high functioning and you would never know it just looking at him. Eventually it will develop into Asperger’s Syndrome once all the hormones of puberty hit.”
Justen is far from alone. The Centers for Disease Control estimate that 1 in 68 children will be diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. Included in that spectrum is a condition called Asperger’s Syndrome, which is a developmental disorder affecting the child’s ability to effectively socialize and communicate. It can be treated, but there is no cure.
“It’s the fastest growing disability in the United States,” said Randy Tidwell, CEO of AspergerAwareness.Org, a new nonprofit dedicated to educating people about the disorder. “My own son has Asperger’s Syndrome, so I understand how overwhelming it can be because there are large organizations out there that do great work, but it’s hard to access them on the local level. We can help parents find those resources and avenues for their child.”
McKenna, Business Development Manager for Findlay Auto Group in Post Falls, said he and his ex-wife suspected their child had autism based on family history
“We saw some delays and when he was 4 or 5 he was flapping his arms a lot,” said McKenna. “The hard part was getting a diagnosis from a doctor. None of them wanted to say he had it. We went to five doctors until finally the doctor confirmed it. That was frustrating.”
He said one of the keys for raising a child with autism is having a set routine.
“Things can go sideways if you don’t follow it,” he said. “He knows exactly when he has to take a bath or do his homework. It’s gotten to the point where I don’t even have to remind him. He knows.”
McKenna also notes having a supportive employer makes life easier.
“Findlay Auto Group has been awesome and they really take care of their people,” he said. “My boss has known my son before I worked here, so he is well aware that raising a special needs child has unique situations.”
John Gervais, the Findlay Auto Group General Manager, said treating employees well is critical to the business model.
“We’re a family,” said Gervais. “It’s about doing the right thing.”
Findlay is supporting McKenna at work and beyond. The large auto dealer is one of the main sponsors of AspergerAwareness.Org’s Bowling for Bucks fundraiser. The event, which includes a silent auction with dozens of products, goods & services including sports memorabilia and gift certificates from various local merchants, is being held today at River City Lanes in Post Falls from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
“Findlay has sponsored nine of the 16 lanes,” said Tidwell. “That’s huge for us. I am really hoping people turn out for the silent auction. We have some great stuff.”
McKenna’s son is looking forward to the fundraiser.
“He’s excited about it and he’s a got a 98 bowling average,” his dad said with a smile. “As with most things in life, he just rolls with it.”
For more information: http://aspergerawareness.org/
More About Findlay Automotive Group
Findlay is deeply involved in the North Idaho community, supporting local nonprofits and organizations. In December alone, they were a major sponsor of Holidays & Heroes and Toys for Tots. They also collected over 4,000 pounds of food for the local food banks. In October, Findlay hosted the First Annual Community Trunk n’ Treat, a harvest festival that benefited over 3,000 people with candy and games. The dealership plans to hold two Easter egg hunts in March. One for kids and one for adults..
Founded in 1962, Pete Findlay in Las Vegas, the Findlay Automotive Group auto dealer chain has 35 dealerships in Idaho, Oregon, Nevada, Utah, and Arizona. The Findlay Automotive Group’s dealerships sold more than 40,000 vehicles in 2015. Pete’s son, Cliff Findlay, expanded the Findlay Auto Group to North Idaho in 2007. Cliff and his wife, Donna, reside in the Coeur d’ Alene area. Locally, Findlay Post Falls Automotive Group carries over 500 vehicles within their 7 franchises— Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram, Hyundai, Mazda, and Nissan.
http://findlaypostfalls.com/
-- Written by Marc Stewart.
Marc Stewart is Director of Sponsored Content for the Coeur d’Alene Press. He can be reached at mstewart@cdapress.com or 208-664-8176, ext. 2011.