Wretches & Jabberers Part II – Autism Awareness
Following up on last week’s post, I went to see WRETCHES & JABBERERS this past weekend and was pleased to see the theater fill up to almost capacity. The documentary did not disappoint and it was exciting and touching to be a part of Tracy and Larry’s world and world-wide adventure. My husband, who did not attend the symposium with me two weeks ago, was as impressed with and surprised by Tracy and Larry’s accomplishments and achievements as was I. We both clearly wondered how many of the kids with whom we work can achieve more than they are being given credit for? Why isn’t more being done to help this group forge friendships amongst themselves and find employment in areas that don’t require strong verbal skills?
It was so emotional to watch Tracy and Larry interact with their peers who have autism, and watch them form friendships, socialize and have conversations as you and I would have. Their abilities to type opened up their world of communication. The people they met up with in Japan, Finland, Sri Lanka were thrilled to have met people just like them who were functioning at a high level in society . My heart went out to all of them who clearly did not want Tracy and Larry to leave. Tracy and Larry have become role models and world ambassadors for those afflicted with autism and I hope that the friends they met along the way who are also being misunderstood because they are non-verbal will make the cause their own in their own countries a la Tracy and Larry.
The film made me so curious to find out how people with autism are being assessed and tested in the country and what is being done to create opportunities for them. How can I help the process move forward? Will Brandy and Val and other pet therapy dogs have a role ? I have a lot of reading to do!
Our mission at Brandy and Val, LLC is “to do good where good is needed.” It is through our book and toy sales and pet therapy duties that we hope to enrich the lives of others and help animals in need throughout the country. Want to comment or contact us? We’d love to hear from you. http://www.BrandyandVal.com
Tags: autism, autism awareness, BRANDY AND VAL, pet therapy, Wretches and Jabberers
