Royal Blue Ball offers special night for children with autism
EL CENTRO — Tuesday’s Royal Blue Ball was a fête for princes and princesses who also happen to be on the autism spectrum.
The was organized by the Autism Support of Imperial County, a local, non-profit organization that provides information on autism for parents and professionals, as well as support groups for parents and family members of individuals with autism.
The ball was held at Kingdom Hall, at Olive and Eighth streets.
“It is like a mommy and son dance,” explained ASIC President James Gonzalez. “The reason for it being is that because five out of six children diagnosed with autism are boys. … The point of it is to come out here and have a good time.”
Part of the aim was to offer a networking and social opportunity for parents, as well.
“Sometimes we as parents (of autistic children) can feel alone, and you feel that no one else is going through what you are going through. Events like these help us to know that we are not alone,” said parent Melissa Millyard.
One of the mothers associated with ASIC came up with the idea of having a ball because her daughter, Lexy, lives her life as the Disney princess, Cinderella. The event provided Lexy an opportunity to wear her princess dress. Blue is the color for autism, hence the “Royal Blue Ball.”
“These events are amazing. You get to meet other people that are going through the same process as you,” said Nora Cornejo, parent of an autistic child. “Lexy lives as a princess. To me this is a blessing because she gets to have fun, and she really feels like she is at a ball right now.”
As a parent who knows what it takes to care for an autistic child, Cornejo recommends other parents to attend the Autism Support of Imperial County.
“Sometimes some of these families are not able to go out and do much (because there are not many autism inclusive events), so this is a way to let loose and not have to worry about anything but having fun,” Gonzalez said.
The event included persons with autism and their plus one. No age range was set.
“From what I said, it is from diagnosis and up,” said Gonzalez.
Many parents were grateful to have the opportunity to bring their children to an autism-inclusive event.
“I think it is awesome because we get to get them out of the house, they can socialize with other children, and we as parents can socialize with other parents like us,” Millyard said. “My advice to other families with autistic children is to never give up. Never give up on your children, on your child, or on your family. Keep going, there is always help available.”