Hunter’s Autism Specials – is based in McKinney, Texas and provides both products and services for families and businesses within the Dallas Fort Worth area. Hunter’s Autism Specials was set up by the parents of eight-year-old Hunter, who has autism.
The Hunter’s Autism Specials website states the following:
‘Hi, my name is Hunter and I am 8 years old. I have Autism. For those of you unfamiliar with this disability, it effects 1 out of 68 births. There are different levels of this disability and they put it under one umbrella.
My parents had me diagnosed when I was 2 ½ because I still didn’t have any true words. I was then given the label of PDD-NOS (Pervasive Development Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified). I am very high functioning. I am for the most part non-verbal. This is pretty common within the Autism world. I do get excited, therefore I flap my hands and jump up and down from stimulation overload.
Just like my parents, everyone loves to show their support & spirit for the things they are passionate about. For years we searched high and low trying to find an “Autism” themed full size flag which we could hang outside highlighting our passion towards “Autism Awareness”. As a result of not being able to locate this product, my parents decided to design one themselves and make it available to YOU… The “U.S.A.utism” flag.
Thanks for your passion and support towards this ever growing community we call Autism!’
We loved all the information and resources that the website provides and decided to get in touch with Hunter’s father, Chad, to learn more about Hunter and Hunter’s Autism Specials. Below is my interview with him.
May I ask when Hunter was diagnosed with autism?
Chad – He was 2 ½ years old, and he is almost 9. At the time, there were only two doctors in Dallas who could give an official diagnosis of “Autism”.
Can you tell me a little about Hunter?
Chad – Hunter is a “High Functioning” Non-verbal child with Autism. He has been going to special schools full time since the age of 3. He is a very healthy, happy young boy. He is very loving, and if he likes you he is more than happy to share his love with you. Some of Hunters hobbies include: Playing on his iPad, watching his DVD’s, swimming, riding his bike, being outside where he can run and play chase with his brother, and anyone else who wants to play.
Hunter’s Autism Specials Autism provide varying discounts from local businesses so that families are able to experience and attend local ammonites and functions. They include and post reviews from these businesses which might help families when planning their next outing.
We therefore asked Chad what their personal experiences have been as a family in dining out and going on day trips in general, and have they experienced any challenges or difficulties.
Chad – Yes, but more so when it’s just my wife, she is petite and not very intimidating, but I on the other hand, can be very intimidating and I am far from small! I believe that no one wants to mess with PAPA Bear, and therefore I don’t see a lot of it! The most recent issues for my wife, have been stares, whispering, and in a few cases people telling her “Can’t you control your kid.” She responds with “I am sorry, he doesn’t mean any harm, he is Autistic”. Most the time those people have nothing more to say. One occasion while entering a restaurant, Hunter ran ahead of us, went to the nearest table, and grabbed one of the individuals French fries off their plate. We quickly ran over to the family, apologized, and offered to purchase them a whole new order. That family was very understanding, and declined our offer. A very similar situation happened, but this other person was not so understanding! Hunter took a french fry off a man’s plate who was all by himself. He was very upset what Hunter had done, and the look in his face reflected someone who was in shock. My wife apologized and explained why he did what he did. Even after the explanation, the man continued with his dirty looks. At this time my wife went over and threw $5 on the table, and said; “Here, go buy some new French fries… NOW STOP Staring!”
Do you find that most people are understanding of your son’s needs?
Chad – Most people are understanding, but most are not embracing, here is what I mean. With the exception of a few friends, we as a family don’t get invited over to many people’s homes for any type of gatherings. TYPICALLY, if we want any company we have to have them at our home. We find that a lot of people and not just kids don’t actively engage him, he doesn’t get invited to Birthday parties or sleepovers, which breaks our hearts… We are with Hunter 100% of the time unless he is in school. So, we feel that if you do not want to accept and embrace OUR entire family, then we don’t need you in our lives. (We also have a 6 year old son, his name is Hudson)
I then told Chad that have experienced both positive and negative attitudes towards my own son, and that I have been told that autism does not exist and is simply an excuse for naughty children.
Chad – My problem is I will be my son’s voice, and will not make excuses for him. Yes, he is Autistic, deal with it, or leave! Sorry, you have to deal with those type of people. Ignorant!
How did you get the idea of starting up your website Hunter’s Autism Specials?
Chad – The first idea came when my wife and I took our boys to an outing, and realized that we couldn’t enjoy the event as a family, so we would need to come back with the boys separately. I talked with the manager, explained the situation, and he was ok with us coming back without having to purchase tickets for all over again. Then we discussed, how many families spend the majority of their resources on treatments for their children, and the risk associated with going anywhere doing everyday activities is a risk, a financial risk, i.e. going to the water park, only to have a meltdown 5 minutes after you arrive. Everyone in the family will need to leave, not just the child with the meltdown.
How do businesses enroll in your scheme?
Chad – We are always networking, and talking with businesses about partnering with us. There is no cost to join, and every program is unique in design.
What response have you got from people who have used your website?
Chad – Everyone that we have spoken with love it, and tell us it’s a great idea. It’s not just special discounts, it’s also special concessions, i.e. Top Golf; they don’t take reservations for anyone, but if you contact them and tell them you are with Hunters Autism Specials, you can make a reservation an hour in advance allowing you to walk right in, and start enjoying the activity. Or, being able to bring your child’s dietary required foods with you to one of our restaurant partners. I explain to the owners of these restaurants: “Families will not eat in front of their child(ren), and if you don’t offer the foods their children eat, they won’t come. So, would you rather have, (as in our case) 3 people eating off the menu, and 1 that is not, or would you rather not have anyone from my family dine with you ever? (It has been a very successful selling strategy)
Do you list other attractions/buildings/amenities for the autism community?
Chad – We do, we just held our second special event at the local Home Depot. It is a craft day dedicated to the Autistic children. (No hammers, no saws, no loud noises,) just painting, and the occasional meltdown. We are also in the process of offering discounted services through our partners. I.E. Speech Therapy for families with financial struggles
Does your website cover areas outside of McKinney?
Chad – We do, we are mainly in the Dallas Fort Worth area, but plan on expanding as our site grows.
Do you have plans to expand?
Chad – Yes, I wish we could dedicate all our time towards this, but we still have to pay the bills. So, it is taking longer as I have another full time job.
The U.S.A.utism Flag can be viewed on the website here
How do you go about posting reviews? How do you rate reviews and is there a points system?
Chad – We post our reviews based on sensory related items (Smells, sights, sounds.) We will highlight anything special like the bathrooms (Do they use the air dryers or paper towels? As you know those can be very loud, so I ensure to go in with my son to check and protect his ears.)
Can you tell me how individuals can gain a discount from visiting the business’s via your website?
Chad – Currently, all anyone needs to do is to click on the coupon tab under the “partners” tab to see what’s available.
Is there anything else that you would like to share with our readers?
Chad – Yes, I have a few requests:
1. We welcome any business that would like to partner,
2. We will be opening up the review section for other families to post respective reviews.
3. We are looking for others who would like to work with us
a. Web design, donations, marketing, launching a H.A.S. site for your city.
4. Supporting us on our social media page would be helpful.
a. https://www.facebook.com/huntersautismspecials
• ONE MORE HUGE REQUEST FOR ANYONE THAT IS WILLING TO HELP:
Hunters 9th Birthday is quickly approaching, and he doesn’t have many friends. If anyone would like to send him a Birthday card, I know he would LOVE it! He loves Micky Mouse, Disney Characters, Etc. Cards can be sent to the following:
Hunter Kleis
PO BOX 6506
McKinney, TX
75071
We would very much like to thank Chad for taking the time to chat to us.
You can follow Hunter’s Autism Specials on Facebook
Hunter’s Autism Specials can be found at www.huntersautismspecials.com