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Students host those facing autism spectrum disorders for day of family fun

Posted at 7:55 PM, May 24, 2014
and last updated 2014-05-24 21:55:43-04

SALT LAKE CITY — Families with ties to those with autism spectrum disorders were invited to Westminster College Saturday for an annual event that helps students learn while providing a day of fun for families.

Students put on the event as a final project, and the seventh annual Family Fun Day gives students the chance to interact and learn from kids with autism spectrum disorders and their families.

“I think the real benefit probably comes for my students taking the class because that’s a real great opportunity for them to actual interact with people who have autism spectrum disorders,” said Shamby Polychronis, who is an associate professor in special education at the school.

Tricia Casper is a mother of twins who have autism, and she said she was glad to attend the event.

“I do participate in a lot of autism type events, and it’ll be something that I’ll share with some other families that I know of within the autism community here in Salt Lake,” she said.

The event featured activities like arts and crafts, a bounce house and bocce ball. There were also booths with information on Special Olympics Utah, the Utah Parent Center and local restaurants specializing in gluten-free foods.