By Amanda Raymond

amanda.raymond@salisburypost.com

The Autism Society of North Carolina wants to start a parent support group for Rowan County families.

The Autism Society will be holding an organizational meeting for those interested in joining the group on Jan. 26 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 217 S. Church St.

Nancy Popkin, an autism resource specialist for the Autism Society, said people in Rowan County asked the Raleigh organization to start a support group in the county.

“We have had a group in the past in Rowan County, but we haven’t had one in recent years,” Popkin said.

Last summer, the ASNC started a series of free workshops for families of children and adults with autism in the community.

Popkin said those workshops were more formal, lecture-like presentations, while the support group will be more informal.

In the organizational meeting, Popkin said, attendees will learn more about being a chapter support group and start assigning leadership roles and responsibilities. Parent volunteers lead all of the chapters.

Popkin said every chapter is different. Some chapters meet monthly while others meet every weekend. Sometimes chapters will bring in guest speakers and then hold a period of socialization. Popkin said that although she helps facilitate the groups, how the group turns out depends on the people involved.

“It’s not what I want, it’s what they want,” she said.

Some group activities include trunk-or-treat Halloween events, trips to sporting events, picnics, holiday parties and recitals.

When support groups really get going, Popkin said, many of them will put together autism awareness events in April, with the state Autism Society providing materials and resources.

“While this group in Rowan County is just starting out, there really are infinite possibilities,” she said.

Popkin said she has a 22-year-old son with autism. She got involved with a support group when her son was 4 years old, and she said it is good for parents to be able to offer help and support to other parents.

“It was the first time I had met other parents and got to talk to them and not be an outsider,” she said.

Ultimately, Popkins said, the local chapters help get the state Autism Society’s resources and materials to the families who need them.

“We’re really committed to providing opportunities and support to families,” she said.

Popkin said she hopes to have the group’s leadership in place by the summer.

RSVP to Nancy Popkin at npopkin@autismsociety-nc.org to attend the organizational meeting.

Contact reporter Amanda Raymond at 704-797-4222.