Awareness and Acceptance: Lessons in autism

• Mac Croom, 16, has inspired his family and friends to learn more about autism.
• His family will be walking in the Walk Now for Autism Speaks on Oct. 11 in his honor.

HEATH – Some teenagers might resist rolling out of bed for school each day but Mac Croom wakes up happy every morning.

There's almost nothing that gets him down and his smile and laugh are contagious.

"On a bad day I can always count on his light-heartedness," said his mother Michelle Croom. "When some high-schoolers might have an attitude, he's just happy-go-lucky."

Over the years, Michelle and her husband George have met people who've assumed their son is cold and withdrawn because he's on the autism spectrum.

But once they get to know 16-year-old Mac, those preconceived notions fall away. Like every person with autism, he's an individual with a variety of strengths, she said.

"With autism it's just so broad," Michelle said. "When you get to know the adult or child, they can bring a lot to the table in their own unique way."

When he's walking down the hallway at Heath High School or rocking out to the soundtrack of "The Lion King," Mac probably doesn't realize the affect he's having on the people around him. But his parents, siblings — Jada and Clayton Croom — and loved ones believe he's helped them learn some pretty big lessons.

"I've learned more from him than he's learned from me," said Loretta Naylor, his educational aide. "He has brought me down to be more humble. I've learned patience and respect. Respect is huge."

He's also inspired his friends, teachers and other community members to participate in Walk Now for Autism Speaks in his honor.

The fundraiser, which kicks off Sunday at Muirfield Country Club, supports autism research, education and services for those on the spectrum and their families. Participants are asked to raise money, then participate in a 5K walk at Huntington Park on Oct. 11.

Mac has this year's event on his Google Calendar and is counting the days until he can join the rest of Team Mac Attack on the walk.

He loves being surrounded by supporters and Michelle and George appreciate the opportunity to bring so many people together.

"There's so much more awareness than there was 13 years ago when he was diagnosed," she said. "They say one in 68 kids get diagnosed, so for us, it's all about awareness."

Surpassing limits

Before Mac, Michelle's only experience with autism was the movie "Rain Man."

She was shocked and bewildered when doctors said her 3-year-old had "pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified."

Autism covers a group of brain development disorders that vary based on the individual. But it was likely that Mac would have difficulty with social interactions and communication.

The Crooms decided to embrace the fact that their life would be different — but that didn't have to be a bad thing. When people focused on the things Mac couldn't do, George and Michelle focused on the things he could do.

They pushed for him to be mainstreamed at Heath City Schools, so he could be in class with his peers with support from an educational aide.

As a visual learner, Mac sometimes understands things in a different way. But he's a hard worker and he doesn't like to give up, Naylor said.

"Some of the things people said he'd never learn, he did," she said. "There were limits on him and he surpassed them."

Mac just started his sophomore year at Heath. He loves math and singing in the choir.

When he's not doing school work, he helps out with chores around the house and enjoys watching animated movies with animals.

"You learn to appreciate the things you take for granted," Michelle said. "We celebrate small accomplishments that another family might not even register."

Embracing differences

Last March Jada's English teacher asked them to write an essay about an aspect of their lives that's shaped their beliefs.

She chose to write about Mac, and some of the things he's taught her about perseverance and respect.

"I have a brother with autism and it's a challenge every day, not only for him but for the family around him," she said. "I wanted to write about him and how he struggled, but also wanted people to understand, not to judge."

Although they're a year apart in age, they're in the same grade and have always had a special bond. They both love eating pizza and riding four-wheelers, she said.

"He couldn't physically have a conversation with me, but I always knew what he was trying to say," she wrote. "We had this connection."

Jada and Clayton have always tried to stick up for their brother. Last year, Jada had "a little chat" with a teen that called Mac a derogatory name.

"Don't judge someone when you don't know them, when you don't know what their challenges are every day," she wrote in response to the incident.

But most of the students at the high school look out for Mac and always work to include him. Watching him become a part of the school community has been wonderful, Naylor said.

"He probably has more friends than you and I put together," she said. " Being in class with him has probably taught them about acceptance. You can be friends with someone who has a disability and it's okay."

Michelle said he's hopeful that the students will remember their experiences with Mac long after they graduate.

"If he helps promote tolerance and sticking up for the underdog or the kid who is different, that's awesome," she said.

'The way he is'

After years of participating in Walk Now for Autism Speaks with the Crooms, Naylor decided she wanted to do something extra to raise money for the organization.

Working with several other local families, and help from Mac, she coordinated an Autism Speaks yard sale on Aug. 8 and 9.

Her goal was about $500, so she was amazed when they raised more than $1,343.

"It still gives me chills," she said. "It really amazed me how the community came together."

Some people dropped off donations without even getting out of the car to shop. Others talked to Michelle about possible resources for Mac as he gets older.

Almost everyone had a story of a child, a grandson or a neighbor with autism, she said.

"It was such a reminder to me of how many lives were impacted by autism," she said.

With Mac starting his sophomore year, Michelle and George have been working on finding resources to use after he graduates.

"It's extremely important that he can live as independently as possible," Michelle said. "We don't know what the future holds for him."

Although it's intimidating to think about the next step, Michelle said she feels better knowing their family is so supported.

"It's scary to think of Mac's long term future but I know we'll be okay because of all the people we've met," she said. "People come into your life for a reason."

No one plans to raise a child with autism, and there have been challenges along the way. But Mac has made a difference, both for people with autism and those around him, Naylor said.

"Because he's so special, a lot of people have come into (his family's) life that they wouldn't trade," she said. "I wouldn't want Mac any other way then the way he is."

ajeffries@newarkadvocate.com

740-328-8544

Twitter: @amsjeffries

Learn more

For more information about autism, contact Autism Speaks at autismspeaks.org. To support Team Mac Attack or learn more about the Columbus Walk Now for Autism Speaks, go to walknowforautismspeaks.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=1133700 and search for "Mac Attack."

The kickoff for the event will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday at Muirfield Country Club, 8715 Muirfield Drive, Dublin.

The walk will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Oct. 11 at Huntington Park, 330 Huntington Park Lane, Columbus.