Jessica Sunday
Guest Reporter

Patrons of Whole Foods Market in Winter Park were privy to an unusual sight entering the grocery store last Saturday.

Instead of the usual scene of people carrying grocery bags of organic fruits and dairy products, the most noticeable thing on the patio of Whole Foods Market on Aloma Avenue was a pair of neighing miniature horses extending their necks to small children eager to pet them. The miniature horses belonged to Heavenly Hoofs Therapeutic Riding Center, which along with many other organizations was staged outside the grocery store as part of Whole Foods 5% Day for Autism Speaks.

Every three months Whole Foods Market donates five percent of its net sales from one day to a local, non-profit organization.

On Saturday, Sept. 20, $4,250 went to the local Orlando chapter for Autism Speaks with the store earning $84,000 profit in net sales, said Lori Davis, the store team leader.
Autism is a neurological disorder impairing someone’s ability to communicate and relate well to others.

Parents, grandparents and friends of people with autism came out to listen to lectures about living with the disorder and tips for success with raising autistic children.

Jeff Rupp of Delaney Financial Services explained to listeners seated under fans on the patio that caring for a child with autism costs about $3.2 million from birth to age 18, whereas a child without autism costs only about $250,000.

He encouraged family members to set proper financial plans in place for their children with a financial advisor so that the autistic child is not left depending on minimal government aid when their caregiver is gone.

“Everybody is in denial of their mortality,” Rupp said. “You can’t say ‘I’ll do it tomorrow.’”
While there is no known cure for the disorder, there are recommended proven treatments, said Patricia Clark, a psychologist who diagnoses many disabled children.
“We mortgage our hearts and souls to pay for them,” said Clark, adding that the treatments are worth every penny. “You need an orchestra of players to help with an autistic child.

”Karen Howington, mother of a 13-year-old with autism and leader of a support group for parents, told the crowd that taking out the gluten from her son’s diet helped tremendously with his behavior.She gave parents tips on what gluten-free labels to look for and how to make healthy meals for the child.Clark also offered tips for parents such as using family members as an “arsenal” with the child and starting treatment as early as possible.

“I have a two-year-old granddaughter and if she had autism, her treatment would have to include baby dolls,” Clark told the audience. This was one example of using a treatment involving something to which the autistic child could relate.

The miniature horses were present for this event for that same reason.

“We find that minis provide an uplifting moment for a child; they bring out a little more of an ‘awe’ effect,” said Amy Glester, executive director of Heavenly Hoofs.

Glester said the minis can sense when a child is ailing and that child can connect with the horse. This is important because many disabled children withdraw socially, she said.

A local dance group stole the attention of shoppers and the audience at the event as dancers carrying giant tree branches swirled around a girl in a bright blue dress who was torn between drinking from a potion bottle or not.

The dance, a small tidbit taken from the Nao Dance Company performance “Alice Takes Wonderland” expresses the difficulties of anyone struggling with something in their life, said Lauren Holbrook, a UCF student who plays Alice.

The potion bottle represents medicines trying to make children normal, which actually causes mass confusion represented by the tree branches, she said.

Experts are undecided about what causes autism; it could be genetic or environmental factors, Clark said.

“That’s why we raise funds at Autism Speaks — for research,” said Karen Thompson, the volunteer chair of the Orlando chapter. “We are thrilled that Whole Foods helps us out.”Autism Speaks was granted $36 million for scientists to look at environmental factors in relation to autism over the next three years, Thompson said. “We don’t want to guess anymore.”

Tips from the vendors at the 5% Day for Autism Speaks

Diets:
—Use leftovers for lunches the next day to save time and money since many gluten-free products are more expensive and less easy to find
—Don’t worry about them eating what everyone else eats, so long as they eat
—Its easier to have everyone on the diet rather than just the one person

Treatments:
—20-45 hours a week of family involved treatment works best
—use natural settings that are inclusive and routine
—horseback riding, vitamin and music therapy are other options
—If you are not seeing progress with a treatment, re-evaluate the method you are using