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.
There were plenty of picking parties and playing at the 4th annual Americana Folk Festival (AFF) on November 1, 2008. People brought their dogs, blankets, and a pure passion for roots music. New relationships were formed, old ones rekindled, and most of all, we took a breather to honor the healing power of music and nature. It was a beautiful weekend, and the AFF would like to thank everyone in the Dickson community who supported the event by helping and/or attending.
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