Since its inception in 2020, Hudson’s Helping Hands for Autism has been dedicated to providing events designed for every child to enjoy safely and side-by-side. These events include Fall on the Farm at the Green Thumb, Sensory Santa at the Children’s Museum of the East End (CMEE), and the Spring Shindig at Corwiths Farmstand.
Founded by Kristen and Augie Teodoro, a mother and father who felt there was a need for more support and inclusion on the East End, and inspired by their son Hudson, their mission has quickly grown into a community effort to provide and foster acceptance and inclusion for children in the local area.
According to the organization, it is estimated that one in every 54 children are now diagnosed as being on the Autism Spectrum and that one in every six children experience a form of developmental delay. It has also been found that inclusion is a vital instrument to foster a culture of respect, acceptance, and belonging amongst all children.
We caught up with Kristen to learn more.
Tell us a little about your background and what brought you to this point.
I grew up on the East End. This has always been my community, my home. For years my husband and I had a growing need and wish that there was something “more” for our family and son on the autism spectrum out here. We often felt alone and isolated. Countless times I had brought my son to festive community events I myself had gone to when I was little and would leave feeling defeated by one thing or another. Dirty looks from others, meltdowns, our child constantly trying to flee or wander being a small few examples of many that would make our hopes and intentions for the day come crashing down. We knew there could be more: Safe spaces providing the same memorable experiences. Fun summer programs, similar to summer camp, that our kids could safely enjoy just like any other child. I guess you could say we got sick of wishing and hoping for it and finally did something about it ourselves.
What inspired you to start Hudson’s Helping Hands?
Our son, Hudson, began receiving services at around 18 months. In the first stages of Hudson’s diagnosis, my husband and I had already begun to discuss how there was no real local outreach and support for families with young children on the autism spectrum. We felt alone. As time went by, the need for this sort of support and autism “community” became even more apparent. However, we just had brief chats here and there on what we wished there was for our son and family. We never seriously considered doing it ourselves. Covid-19 was our tipping point I guess you could say. I was tired of watching my son regress at home with virtual learning and lack of in person therapy. More than that — I was tired of logging onto Hudson’s school portal just to see other parents complaining about the same things I was seeing happening in my own home. I was done. None of this helped our children. No one was coming up with a solution. I knew my son’s teachers and therapists were dying to see their kids and so I figured other special needs teachers and therapists most likely felt the same way. So I had a simple idea. To create a weekly program that would give our children, both on and off the spectrum, some structure back. To create a safe place that promotes socializing, respect, acceptance, and learning for all children. I wasn’t sure exactly what I was doing but I posted my idea to my social media account @theblockistot and almost immediately Liz from CMEE reached out and offered me their space for our first ever summer program for Hudson’s Helping Hands. Other autism foundations helped us with initial funding, teachers, therapists, and local community members happily volunteered their time. It was a beautiful moment and way for our non profit to be founded. Almost like everyone came together for us in agreement that this needed to be done and they were there to help. And so we did it.
What was it like starting an organization during the pandemic?
Challenging! As you can imagine (and recall) there were a lot of restrictions. The amount of people that could attend, mask requirements and mandates, social distancing, etc. But we also saw something beautiful. Community members really came out of the woodwork for us. They saw our challenges and listened to our cry for help. Autism families, families with neurotypical children, business owners, teachers, therapists, and so many individuals that just wanted to help with the movement. Everyone coming together has made it what it is today. We all made it work. We are all building an inclusive community.
Talk about why inclusion is so important for children on the autism spectrum.
I think it is important for all children. There is a huge benefit for both neuro typical and neuro diverse children alike. Children on the spectrum are just regular children. They have all the same wants and needs, they just digest it and express it “differently.” It is important for typical children to see and understand that — to see that they’re enjoying this activity just like me, even if they’re doing it a little differently. And for children on the spectrum it has been proven how successful inclusive environments can be for them. For them to see and model after what and how “typical” children interact with the environment and people around them.
Talk about the events you have coming up.
Next up is our second annual Sensory Santa Express event we host at CMEE in Bridgehampton. We created this event with special needs children in mind (safety, sound, activities) but wanted to make it something that every child would love to come to and enjoy themselves, together, side-by-side. Last year was a huge success and every child left with a smile on their face. We cannot wait for this year as we have made it bigger and better! We have a wonderful sensory Santa coming (with an understanding and background with special needs children), two trackless trains that will take our families through a miniature light show we have created, ornament making, holiday sensory activities, food trucks, Christmas carolers, face painting, music, and so much more.
What has the feedback been like since you’ve started? Any stories that stick out to you?
We have met and connected with so many families since starting this. Each story impacts us in one way or another. It is shocking how little support autism families have out here. How many were, and are, just like us and just wanted to be included or feel supported and accepted. Often the remarks we get from the autism community is that they are just happy to finally have a place where they aren’t constantly on their toes. A place where they don’t constantly have to apologize or feel like their child’s behavior is being judged or observed. They are happy to finally have an accepting, supportive, safe space.
One memorable remark I repeat often was actually made to me last year at our Sensory Santa Express event. A parent of a typical child ran up to me smiling hand-in-hand with her son. She looked at me with such glee and said, “this is so special and so important! I am so happy there are events like this that I can bring my son to, to show and teach him understanding and acceptance, to enjoy and do all the same things together. That it is okay to be different and to always be kind.” That sticks with me because it lets me know our intention of creating an inclusive community for our children is being seen and getting done. Our children’s futures will be so bright if we continue on this path and our outreach grows.
Tell us about your HHH embroidered beanies?
We create small clothing capsules around the same time of each of our three holiday events. This winter we made embroidered HHH beanies. We are nearly sold out already but our spring event will be here just before you know it. We have a shop on our website that you can access and purchase our newest capsule.
What’s next for Hudson’s Helping Hands?
Expanding our programs, outreach, and support. We have big goals and dreams of what we can be for our community and autism families. There is a huge, huge deficit for all of these things on the East End and we plan to provide that and more for them!
