Children with Autism Get Ready for Superheros

Jimmy Hack doesn’t like the scratchy feel of most shirts that he wears, but when he is given his Superman garb, the rambunctious seven-year-old grins with pleasure from ear-to-ear.

This is why Jimmy, who has autism, is super excited about spending the afternoon with his friends and several Superheroes in costume at a special upcoming Autism Cares Foundation party, held in conjunction with Philadelphia’s Founding Hearts.

On Saturday, March 16, families with children ages 10 and under who have autism and other special needs are having a pizza party with super cool Superheroes.

The event, from noon to 2 p.m., will be held at the Autism Cares Foundation’s Resource Center, 816 Second Street Pike, in Southampton, PA.

This unique event is a day to celebrate the superpowers of Autism Cares Foundation, its founders, volunteers and families: acceptance, kindness and love for all children, especially those with autism and other special needs

Jimmy will be there with his Bucks County family (parents, and two younger sisters Julie 4, and Emily 2). Emily was also recently diagnosed with autism.

“My son hates wearing shirts around the house, and when he goes to school he only wears a Superhero shirt,” explains his mom, Kelli Hack. “He went as Superman for Halloween. This is a little bit of an obsession for him; he just loves Superheroes, so, we are extremely excited about this event.”

Jimmy’s mom frequently takes her children to activities and events hosted by Autism Cares Foundation.

She says that her son, who is nonverbal, attended a special grant ceremony held by Founding Hearts, and felt more than welcome.

ACF Co-Founder and CEO Linda Kuepper, of Newtown, and ACF Executive Director Jacqui Makowski also attended the Founding Hearts dinner, where ACF was awarded a grant to hold the upcoming Superheroes event.

“Everyone deserves to act and feel like a Superhero,” Kuepper says, “and we feel that each of our children, adults, their parents, and siblings who are involved with ACF has those super qualities of love, patience, and kindness, every single day of their lives. We are delighted to watch each of our loved ones with autism soar, and be the best possible version of themselves.”

The Hack family goes to ACF bounce and trampoline events and helped to raise money for the ACF Race for Resources November fundraising event. They also enjoyed the joyous holiday party in December. Kelli Hack says that Superhero Day, and the other ACF events, are priceless for her family.

“The fact that we have a resource in this community and a variety of programs where we can bring our children means the world to my family,” says Hack. “I can’t bring my family, with two autistic children, to a lot of social outings and public events because the events are too crowded and too loud. ACF makes it possible for our children to do all kinds of stuff in a safe and accepting environment.”

For 11 years, the Autism Cares Foundation has provided events, programs and life enrichment opportunities. In 2018, more than 5,000 people were engaged in events with love, acceptance, and inclusion in a safe environment and surrounded by friends and family.

These ongoing activities include bounce and trampoline parties, LEGO play classes, swimming, weekly fitness classes, sensory friendly movies, holiday parties, a special prom, Glee Club, 21-plus club and many more.

The activities, programs and events are paid for as a result of fundraisers throughout the year, including the upcoming Gatsby Gala on Saturday, April 27, at Spring Mill Manor in Ivyland. The event includes a dinner-dance, silent and live auctions, supportive community leaders and special guests. This is being held in conjunction with Autism Awareness Month in April.

“In my eyes, ACF represents community and family,” says Makowski. “We are humbled by our growing community and our Superhero friends who have taken time out of their busy schedules to bring this unique experience to our ACF Superhero Families.”

For information on donations, volunteering, overall programs and events and attending the Gatsby Gala, please go to: Autism Cares Foundation.