Rock for Autism: A Mom’s Passion turns into a Great Musical Event
It was through a friend of a friend that I first heard of Windy Dotson. In the social networks we seemed to have many friends in common. Then, I was told about the Rock for Autism concert to be held at the Dickson County Housing Authority gymnasium on September 5th to support the group from the Sisterhood of Unbiological Sisters (SOUS) in their drive for donations for Autism Speaks. That was when I had to know more.
Windy became acquainted with autism when her son Bailey was diagnosed at the age of 4. While she knew there was something going on with him because he had not made many milestones of a typically developing 4 year old, the diagnosis of autism brought more questions. “the only example of the disorder for me was Dustin Hoffman in ‘Rainman’”
Bailey has been fortunate to be blessed with a wonderful teacher at Charlotte Elementary School that has worked with him and encouraged him to open up and blossom. This last May for awards day he was awarded the Lucas McClain Award for Outstanding Effort and Improvement In Physical Education. Now, at the age of 10, Bailey loves singing and dancing. He is a performer through and through.
“Bailey is considered a mild/moderate high functioning autisic. He is verbal and does carry more conversation now than he did at a younger age. There are times when he has “bad days” when he doesn’t want to talk to anyone. He doesn’t understand the basic concept of money. He doesn’t understand “why” a lot. It doesn’t matter to me. When he tells me “I love you mom”, I know he understands that.” says Windy.
Bailey and other autistic children and children with autism spectrum disorders are why Windy signed up to do the 2nd Annual Walk NOW for Autism in October. In order to get donations for the walk she and several of her friends with SOUS are putting together the Rock for Autism concert.
The Rock for Autism concert will be September 5th at the Dickson County Housing Authority. On the line up are area bands Disarray, Mindsplitter, Downslave, The Hero Brings Revenge, Bradbury and a special appearance by Bailey Dotson. There will be a silent auction and food also. Doors open at 5pm and the concert starts at 7pm. Admission is $5. For more information visit www.myspace.com/sousforautism.
Way to go Faith!! GREAT job!!
Autism is a serious one. It is a neurological development disorder for which there is no cure. Children with autism may have discrepancy in behavioural, communication and social interaction skills. Anxiety and depression also set in with these sufferers. The solution is early diagnosis which is difficult. Training for teachers and parents, autism specific child care centres and playgroups is the key step towards tackling this problem.
Many children and adults with Autism also experience seizures. I have experience with seizure disorders as well as other neurological disorders and I am open to helping Windy with this cause.
I look forward to attending Rock for Autism, meeting Windy Dotson and learning more details of the 2nd Annual Walk NOW for Autism in October.
As with seizure disorders, Autism has experienced a dark and discriminant past. I applaud Windy and others like her that bring neurological disorders into the light.
No more shadows, come into the light and be recognized.