Locals — How Can We Positively Impact Our Community With Autism?

By Kami-Leigh Agard

After penning this column going on nine years, it suddenly dawned on me that I have yet to explain what autism is. And with numerous families with autistic loved ones residing on the peninsula, chances of casual interactions with individuals are more than likely. You may have autistic family members, have had encounters at the local coffee shop, supermarket, neighborhood playground, on the boardwalk or just on your block. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the prevalence of autism has increased from one in 150 children in year 2000, one in 36 in 2020, and one in 31 in 2025. Thus, increasing the chances of the general populace interacting with autistic individuals and their families. How can we as a community make Rockaway a more welcoming place for these families?

First, what is autism spectrum disorder (ASD)? ASD is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition affecting how individuals communicate, interact socially, and experience the world; characterized by challenges in social skills and repetitive behaviors. Sensory issues can affect how they smell, hear or even see things. However, it presents differently in everyone, hence the word, “spectrum.” The impact can range from mild to severe. It mostly appears in early childhood, and it normally continues into adulthood. Apart from difficulties with social communication, people with autism tend to have restricted interests. Another key feature is the inflexible need for routine.

To be clear, autism is a developmental difference, NOT a disease. There is no cure, but various modalities of support can help.

Raising a child with autism can be challenging for parents, especially when other people do not understand the issues. For example, a simple run to the supermarket could end up being traumatizing as the child may all of a sudden throw themselves on the ground, screaming. Onlookers may pass judgement, thinking that the child is ill-behaved, and/or the parent has bad parenting skills. A casual family dinner at a local restaurant could be overwhelming because of noise drifting in from loud chatter at neighboring tables, or from bright lights.

The Autism Research Institute (https://autism.org/characteristics-of-autism/) lists a number of behaviors, including:

-Inappropriate touching or invading other people’s space

-Being too honest about someone’s appearance

-Flapping hands or spinning around

-Being fascinated with a particular item

-Extreme displays of affection, or the opposite

Rockaway has a robust community of business owners and residents—and if we work together, it will have a profoundly positive impact on the life of an adult or child with autism, and their families.

Here are three ideas I drummed up:

1-Restaurant proprietors — How about hosting an “Autism Day,” where you can accommodate these special families? Perhaps, adjust the lighting or sound at your establishment, and offer a varied menu? I have been to similar places in other states, and it totally makes a difference. Not only would you be drawing in a different clientele but making a statement by showing compassion for the local autistic community. Another idea is hosting a cooking class. For example, Rockaway Beach Autism hosted a pizza-making class with Whitney Aycock of Whit’s End.

2-Massage parlor/ spa/ yoga studio owners — How about offering a special package or session for a group of autism moms (or dads) looking for a few hours of TLC? Trust me, I know many parents who would jump at the chance!

3-Local artists/educators/community advocates — How about hosting an activity, where families can come with their children to do crafts, watch live storytelling, a puppet show or even get a chance to dance and play in an open space?

This is just a public service announcement to drum up interest in getting the community involved in making Rockaway a great place to live for families with autism. Let’s get the ball rolling for 2026! If interested in hosting an activity for Autism Awareness Month in April (or any other date), email: kami@rockawaybeachautismfamilies.org

I’ll end with this quote by Coretta Scott King, American human rights activist, and wife of Martin Luther King, Jr.: “The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.”

I talk about autism to open doors into the reality of our lives as caregivers, and build understanding, tolerance and growth of our autistic community. RBAF’s next family support group meeting is Thursday, January 22 at 7 p.m. For more info, visit: Rockaway Beach Autism Families on Facebook/Instagram.