Asperger Awareness

In November, Randy Tidwell had no idea he would be starting an organization for Asperger awareness a month later.

About 100 people showed support for the new organization Sunday afternoon at Tidwell's first fundraiser, "Bowling for Bucks," held at River City Lanes in Post Falls.

Along with reserved lanes for bowling from 1-5 p.m., several local residents and businesses donated items for a silent auction. Tidwell handed out door prizes throughout the afternoon as well.

"I think its a really wonderful organization," said Tori Parris, executive assistant and community involvement for Findlay Automotive in Post Falls. "Autism is really big in our community and I didn't realize how big it was. I think it is really neat that (Tidwell) is bringing more awareness to autism and helping families that have autistic kids get more information."

Many of the supporters who came to the event were Findlay employees and their families, including Ben McKenna and his son, Justen, who were featured in a recent Press story. Justen has autism that will eventually develop into Asperger syndrome. Tidwell used to work for Findlay as well.

Tidwell's own son, Sam, is 14 and was diagnosed in 2011 with Asperger's. He said Sam was very normal as a baby and toddler, but then his autism began to manifest itself in anti-social behavior.

Asperger's can be very difficult to detect because those who have it are often very "high functioning." Children and adults affected by Asperger's may have difficulty in social situations and communication, or may exhibit repetitive and restrictive behavior.

Because Sam was home-schooled, Tidwell and his wife thought he might need more social interaction and put him into Cub Scouts.

"Literally what we did was put Sam through torture for four years," Tidwell said. "We didn't know that — and then it got worse."

After wondering for so many years why Sam was having behavioral issues, Tidwell said it was difficult to learn his son is autistic, but he was relieved to finally get a diagnosis.

Many resources are available online regarding Asperger syndrome, but Tidwell said what concerned him was the lack of help on the local level.

"What really hit my heart was that I don't want any parents to go through what we went through," he said. "It was torture. And my poor son went through years and years of that because we didn't know."

That is why he had the "epiphany" to start the non-profit organization for Asperger awareness. The goal is to bring more local awareness and support for those diagnosed with Asperger's, and for their families as well.

While "Bowling for Bucks" was the first event Tidwell planned for the organization, he hopes to hold four events each year.

Tidwell was unsure how successful the fundraiser would be, but he said all proceeds would benefit the organization. The money Tidwell used to start the organization in December, which included setting up the website and writing hundreds of letters to local businesses, came out of pocket.

He said many people responded and the organization has received some donations. Volunteers turned out to help organize the event as well.

"It's really very exciting — it just warms my heart," Tidwell said.

Tidwell's website can be found at: aspergerawareness.org