Hi! My name is Parker. I am 10 years old and have autism. I like dinosaurs, computers, cartoons, swimming, and going to the beach. I love eating pizza, spaghetti-chicken, mashed potatoes, and fruit.

Parker is now in a public school with classes for children with autism and other special needs. He also has special tutors daily.

PARKER'S PALS HOT DOG SUPPER

The annual PARKER'S PALS HOTDOG SUPPER held earlier this year was a big success! There were many supporters there, and was a great success. Our thanks to all attendees for supporting Parker's Pals.

PARKER'S PALS ANNUAL FLAPJACK FUNDRAISER BREAKFAST

The ANNUAL PARKER'S PALS FLAPJACK BREAKFAST this year will be held on Dec. 3, 2011, from 7:30 AM to 10:00 AM. It will be held again at Applebee's located off Lewisville Clemmons road at 6310 Allegacy Way, Clemmons, 27012. Prices will be $6.00 per person / $3.00 for children 6 and under. Meal includes flapjacks, sausage, and beverage. All ages are welcome to dine and visit with SANTA! BRING YOUR CAMERA!!!!! For more info, call Ruth at 336-998-9487, or Kelly at 336-747-1704.

PARKER'S PROGRESS

(Article for February 2010 Newsletter of First United Church of Christ) Through the Eyes of a Child By Nancy Morgan

The New Year started off with weather that was either bitterly cold or rainy. As a result, sickness prevailed in the homes of many of our children. So, during January, we missed a lot of our kids at Kid’s Breakfast Club and in First Rhythm Choir. But, let me tell you the powerful lesson that I learned from one little boy on a miserably cold Sunday morning (when I might have been tempted to sleep in and skip church). Parker Creasy was the only child who came to breakfast and to class that Sunday. He came bouncing into breakfast all bundled up in a warm coat and knitted cap. And, trailing behind him was his father, Patrick Creasy. As usual, Parker plopped down in a chair at the familiar breakfast table, said the Moravian blessing with a BIG amen, and dipped his pancake and sausage on a stick in gooey syrup – all alone at a table set for six kids. Then, after breakfast, Parker sat down at the activity table set for eight kids and talked with his teachers about his favorite Christmas gifts – all alone. Parker, whose conversation is sometimes challenged by autism, spoke plainly to me that Sunday – all alone. I saw his broad smile when he entered the building. I saw his toothless grin while he ate his favorite breakfast. I heard his spontaneous giggle as he talked about Christmas. I read his body language and listened to his enthusiastic chatter. He was happy to be at church and my spirits were lifted by his. I was suddenly glad to be at church, too!

PARKER'S PALS

A MUST READ: Ten things every child with autism wishes you knew:

http://www.examiner.com/x-17910-Jacksonville-Autism--Parenting-Examiner~y2009m8d5-Ten-things-every-child-with-autism-wishes-you-knew

One of the best articles I've read in a long time. This should be a handout when the diagnosis is first made. It certainly would help everyone involved.