Autism Cares Foundation Hosts Family Hayride at Shady Brook Farm

On a recent sunny Saturday autumn morning, James and Michael Windle arrived at Shady Brook Farm bursting with anticipation for a filled-filled hayride hosted by the nonprofit Autism Cares Foundation (ACF).

The brothers, 8-year-old James, and 11-year-old Michael, and their parents Heather and Andrew, have been attending ACF events for three years because the members of the Philadelphia-based family say that they appreciate the accepting, non-judgmental atmosphere that is always present.

“I enjoy the hayride and the pumpkin painting since I really love painting, drawing and other art projects,” explained James, who is in third grade. Michael, who is in 6th grade, excels at math, science, and computer coding, agreed with his brother.

The brothers were both diagnosed with autism at a young age and are doing well in their school subjects, as well as their karate classes.

On Saturday, October 5, nearly 200 people had an opportunity for a day of good old-fashioned family fun because ACF was able to pay for a visit to Shady Brook Farm in Yardley. The group filled two tractors on a perfect autumn day.

After the hayride, the children put their artistic abilities to use by painting Halloween pumpkins that they were able to take home. The families also fed the goats, pigs, and other adorable animals and enjoyed the farm’s games and attractions.

So why is this kind of event so important to the Windle family and the others that participated?

“We love the ACF events because they are family-friendly and sensory-friendly,” Heather Windle explained. “There are not a lot of loud sounds and bright lights and I know that everybody is more accepting of all of our children.”

Jennifer Vogt, and her son Andy Forston, 9, of Huntingdon Valley, have enjoyed ACF events for the past three years and couldn’t wait for the hayride. The 4th grader, who loves Marvel and his plush toy collection, enjoys ACF’s laid-back, caring, and accepting atmosphere, and so does his mom.

“Anything we do with ACF we don’t have to worry about anyone judging Andy, I love that he can just be himself,” Vogt said.

“ACF has become part of a larger family for us. It’s okay to cry, or vent and just be who you are,” the grateful mom said. “I love telling others in the community about all of the amazing programs and opportunities for Andy that he can participate in now and as he gets older.”

Caring dad Larry Miller, of Ivyland, and his daughter, 10-year-old Addison, also enjoyed the hayride, pumpkin painting and other fall activities hosted by ACF. “I like playing on the farm; my favorite part is the animals,” the 4th grader said.

Special events like the Family Hayride are supported by ACF fundraisers and one of the major events for ACF is the Race for Resources on Saturday, Nov. 2, at Bucks County Community College, located at 275 Stump Road in Newtown. ACF serves more than 5,000 individuals through its 200 FREE events annually.

“We race so that our loved ones with autism and other special needs can enjoy the same opportunities and acceptance as their peers,” explained ACF Executive Director Jacqui Makowski.

“Whether you choose to build a team, run, walk, donate, sponsor, or present at our Expo, your partnership with Autism Cares Foundation enables us to sustain a calendar of events full of inclusion, acceptance, and support for children, teens, and adults with autism and other special needs,” Makowski added.

The ACF Race for Resources features something for everyone – a certified race course for the 5K and 10K, as well as a 1-mile Family Walk and Family Expo of resources

There is a wide variety of family-friendly entertainment, a DJ, face-painting, moon bounce, video games truck, refreshments, and much more.

The Expo opens at 7:30 a.m. The race kickoff is 9 a.m. So, lace up your sneakers and join us!

For further information, please go to Race for Resources.org.