Little Red Hen – Supporting Autism Awareness and Acceptance in the North State

April is Autism Awareness Month, a time to recognize and support individuals on the autism spectrum. It’s an opportunity to educate ourselves and others about autism and to promote understanding and acceptance for those who experience the world differently. In the North State, we’re fortunate to have many programs and resources available to those with autism and their families, including the Little Red Hen in Chico.

From its beginnings as a plant nursery and pool therapy group for children with autism, Little Red Hen has grown to include five retail locations that employ more than 100 adults with developmental disabilities. It also includes the Autism LifeSpan Center. The center offers several programs that help individuals with autism access education and employment opportunities, while creating greater community awareness and acceptance. The center also hosts a sensory-friendly pancake breakfast with Santa in December; and a large autism carnival each April.

The 2023 Autism Carnival April 16

For this year’s carnival, held April 16, Little Red Hen is partnering with The Yellow Door to host Chico Walks for Autism in the morning, followed by the family carnival, which will include a live DJ, food trucks, carnival games, and a vendor fair.

Bringing awareness of what autism is and what it looks like

The carnival is all about “ bringing awareness to our community to develop a better understanding of what autism is and what it looks like,” says LifeSpan Center Manager Rachel Hoyle.

In many ways, it’s a typical carnival with games, face painting, a bounce house, and characters like princesses and Storm Troopers to interact with the carnival goers and take pictures.

What makes the Autism Carnival unique, says Rachel, is the sensory-friendly activities and interactive opportunities tailored for those with autism. Along with the other carnival activities, a sensory walk, pallet car track, music wall, bubble station, smell station, and busy board will ensure that kids engage their senses and explore their environment in a safe and controlled space.

There will also be vendors with educational materials and resources available within the community; including behavioral intervention, regional center, and tutoring services; all working to increase awareness and acceptance of those with autism.

Rachel says the carnival “serves as a form of emotional support for parents and caregivers” because people will be getting a better understanding of what autism looks like and getting educated about the resources available in the area, as well as coming together and having fun.

Year-round and summer programs at the Lifespan Center

The LifeSpan center also offers year-round and summer programs for kids ages 4 through 17. “Our programs are all about play and socialization and just trying to work on community integration and be a part of everyday society,” Rachel explains.

For children ages 4 to 13, Lil’ and Buddin’ Sprouts offer year-round assistance that fosters socialization, behavioral and communication skills. The one-on-one approach encourages growth in all areas of development. For teens 13 to 17 with autism and other developmental disabilities, the Growing Together Teens program provides a safe and comfortable space for kids to socialize.

Lifespan Center’s summer programs include Feeling Like One Common Kid (FLOCK) and Not Your Garden Variety Theater (NYGVT). FLOCK is a socialization therapy program for kids ages 6-15, and NYGVT is a six-week program for kids with autism that culminates in a production for family and friends.

Helping local families navigate an autism diagnosis

The center is often the first point of contact for families who have recently received a diagnosis, and the staff is dedicated to helping people access the services they need. “If people have questions about resources,” Rachel says, or if they need help “on how to get a diagnosis, we can help steer them in the right direction.” The center serves individuals in Butte, Glenn, Lassen, Modoc, Plumas, Shasta, Siskiyou, Tehama and Trinity Counties. It has an extensive collection of books, CDs, and DVDs related to autism spectrum disorder and maintains information on local events and activities.

The Walk for Autism and Little Red Hen Carnival will be held on Sunday, April 16. The walk begins at 8:30am at One Mile Recreation Area in Lower Bidwell Park, followed by the Autism Carnival at Sycamore Field from 10 am to 1 pm.

For more information on the Walk for Autism, find the Yellow Door on Facebook. For information about the Autism carnival, visit the Lifespan Center on Facebook or call (530) 897-0900.