BY PHIL CUSTODIO
Clarkston News Editor
Kathleen Weger of Independence Township is raising awareness of autism with a colorful car she painted herself.
She painted puzzle pieces, a symbol of autism, on her auto in honor of her son, Joseph Adam Weger, for the National Autism Awareness Month of April.
Folks are invited to paint the names of loved ones with autism on the car, as well, for as long as it lasts.
“I have paint and brushes in my car – stop me when you see me around,” Weger said. “I did it myself. It’s kind of an ‘ehh’ job, but it’s an old car and I don’t care if it’s messed up. It’ll look pretty in the junk yard.”
In addition to the puzzle pieces on the car, she’s labeled some of the parts, such as the gas cap.
“Pictures and word recognition, transition cards, help people with autism move from one task to the next,” she explained. “They show you a card if they’re having trouble communicating.”
This is the first time for the painted car, but she does something every year to raise awareness of autism.
Joseph, 23, was diagnosed with autism when he was 4 years old. His mother has seen some advances over the years in teaching children with autism.
“Clarkston has a good autism program – he did really well here,” she said. “Clarkston educated him from fourth grade, teaching him one-on-one.”
Since then, he has taken post high school classes and works at a cabinet manufacturer in Dexter. Over the years, Kathleen has learned the value of patience.
“You need to be really patient with people with autism, kind and patient,” she said. “Take time to listen and understand. With my son, if you’re nice to him and take your time, everything works out good.”
Contact her at Kathyweger2004@yahoo. com.