From The Flint Journal in Michigan:FLINT TOWNSHIP, Michigan -- Most parents expect their young children to misbehave from time to time.
But not everyone understands the tantrums that Kristyn Hubbard's 5-year-old son, Ryan, (pictured) has when he's upset.
"If he's throwing a tantrum over something silly, people are looking at you like 'Lady smack your kid,'" Hubbard said. "But they have no idea what's going on."
Ryan was diagnosed as autistic just over a year ago. He's developmentally behind, can be very hyper and has a short attention span, his mother said.
Hubbard and her husband, Josh, moved from Boston to Burton with Ryan and their daughter Molly, 2, just months after Ryan's diagnosis.
"We were new to the area, so we didn't know any other families who were going through what we were going through," Hubbard said. "Then we heard about Kathleen's House."
Kathleen's House -- A Place for Autism is an organization dedicated to providing support and opportunities for autistic children and their families.
The house is named after Kathleen Wilson, an autistic woman who lived in the Flint Township home where the program is based. Wilson died in November 2007 and her family is leasing the house to the organization.
Hubbard and Ryan visit the house about twice a week. There, Ryan participates in music therapy, play groups, and therapeutic massage.
Hubbard said she's found understanding at Kathleen's House.
"It's a safe place for parents to come and not be judged and not be embarrassed by what your kid is doing," said Hubbard, 29, a stay-at-home mom. "There's a common bond there and it's comforting.
"There's nothing like knowing somebody else knows exactly what you're going through."Sessions at Kathleen's House are eight weeks long and run throughout the year. The programs cost about $40 for the entire eight weeks.
"Our goal was to keep it low-cost so that families can afford the services the kids need," said Dana Slagg, vice-president of Kathleen's House. Slagg's son, Jesse, 6, is autistic.
The organization doesn't receive any state or federal funding and runs mainly off donations. Its leaders have been applying for grants and other aid, Slagg said.
In the meantime, fees for instructors, teachers, and supplies for the children are financed with donations, which the organization needs to keep going.
"Insurance doesn't cover us," Slagg said. "Any service these kids get is out-of-pocket costs."Slagg said the organization is in need of sensory toys such as textured balls, playmats and mini trampolines to help the children develop their fine motor skills and release extra energy. Office supplies such as printer paper and ink cartridges also are needed.
Since finding Kathleen's House, Hubbard said Ryan has developed his fine motor skills and is doing a better job of paying attention.
"I noticed he's learning patience and following instructions better," Hubbard said. "This works for him."
