Two Southwest Side women say the summer day camp offered through Special Olympics Chicago has greatly helped their autistic teen sons.
Two mothers in Chicago’s 19th Ward question how well their autistic teenage sons would interact with others without the summer day camps offered through Special Olympics Chicago at Mount Greenwood Park.
As it is, the boys are doing well in learning how to be independent and seem to have overcome social obstacles associated with autism, said their mothers, Jenny Moody, of Beverly, and Jen McGuire, of Mount Greenwood.
Moody’s son, Mitchell, 13, and McGuire’s stepson, Dan, 15, are among 27 day campers this summer led by special recreation coordinator Lisa Mulcrone.
“We look forward to the interaction here and all the variety. There’s been a huge improvement since he was 8, and I know this program is a great part of that,” Jenny Moody said.
Mitchell plays basketball and hockey and swims in the special recreation programs.
“It’s the instruction, and it’s the self-respect. They give them the confidence to try,” Jenny Moody said, adding that her son is now more eager to try other things.
Jen McGuire said Dan, who enjoys basketball, “went from taking a ‘granny shot’ to real shots,” a step that may come easy to most kids but is bigger for someone with autism.
“Lisa pushes our kids, and I love it. And gets them to realize they can do it. She looks like a little angel, but she’s tough,” McGuire said. “Danny never wanted to do anything. He’ll be upset when he sees I’m here because he wants to be here by himself. He’s ready to go at 9 o’clock for the camp that starts at 10.”
She said Dan is more accepting of subtle changes that most children would not mind, such as not having syrup for waffles.
“He used to get upset. Now he’ll put butter on his waffles himself instead of getting upset,” she said.
Mulcrone, who has been working in special recreation for 24 years, said there are about 100 kids in the park program during the school year. She started volunteering years ago when her sister, who has Down syndrome, began taking classes at the park.
“There’s not many people who can say they love their jobs. I love it,” she said. “I love the participants. If you’re having a bad day and walk in, you get a big hug and a smile. Sometimes, I think I get more out of it (than they do).”
For the children, “this is their spot. This is their social life. We’re one big family here,” Mulcrone said.
At the camp last week, Mitchell said his favorite thing to do is swim, but he also enjoys field trips like Brookfield Zoo and the Museum of Science and Industry.
Mulcrone is looking forward to starting a new program this fall in which she’ll offer a day program three days a week for adults.
The Special Olympics Chicago program is the largest in the state with more than 5,000 athletes who compete and train in 22 sports throughout the year. The program offers activities in more than 100 Chicago Public Schools and at 23 parks through the Chicago Park District.
Ald. Matt O’Shea, 19th, was appointed this month to the board of directors for Special Olympics Chicago. He has been involved in the program for more than a decade.
Monday marked the 47th anniversary of the first Special Olympics games, which were held at Soldier Field with about 1,000 athletes competing.
On Saturday, the BTN Big 10K will take place at Soldier Field, to raise funds for Special Olympics Chicago. Participants are encouraged to show their Big Ten allegiance by sporting their favorite team’s colors in the 10K race or the 5K run/walk.
Afterward, participants can join thousands of fellow Big Ten fans at the post-race BTN Fan Fest & Tailgate party. For more information, visit www.btnbig10k.com.
And on July 30, Special Olympics Chicago will be the beneficiary of the Rock the Night 5K at Soldier Field, which will feature live music, food and drinks. Go to www.rockthenight5k.com to register.
For more information on Special Olympics Chicago, go to www.sochicago.org.
