Contributions by local residents helped a number of children with autism receive gifts this past holiday season.

Taking a page from the famed “Angel Tree” holiday program, Cherokee County nonprofit group William’s Garden did its part to create a holiday tradition for children with autism and other developmental disorders and their families.

The “Autie Tree” holiday initiative was launched last fall. Families with, or knowing of, youths diagnosed with autism were asked to fill out a paper puzzle piece with the child’s name, preferred toys and other items to which they best respond.

Approximately 15 children were registered to receive a gift during a Dec. 17 Christmas party at New Harvest Church of God in Gaffney — nine of whom were in attendance, according to William’s Garden officials. Each of the children in attendance were given presents courtesy of an anonymous sponsor as well as a stocking and fruit bag to be shared with their family.

Approximately 15 children were registered to receive a gift during a Dec. 17 Christmas party courtesy of the William's Garden “Autie Tree.” Each of the children in attendance were given presents courtesy of an anonymous sponsor as well as a stocking and fruit bag to be shared with their family. “It was such a joy to see the excitement on their faces when they tore into their presents,” said Marilyn Winright, who along with her husband, John, formed the nonprofit organization a few years ago. “We can’t express enough thanks to everyone who sponsored one of these kids, or helped in any way to make this program the huge success that it was. ... It just melts my heart to see them so happy! I can’t wait to see what God has in store for us this year. I know it’s going to be filled with progress, that’s for sure.”

Autism is a developmental disorder that appears in the first three years of life, affecting the brain’s normal development of social and communication skills. Typically, parents realize something is wrong with autistic children by the 18-month mark.

Symptoms consistent with the ailment often include sensitivity to sight, hearing, touch, smell and/or taste, unusual distress when routines are changed, tendency to perform repetitive body movements and showing an unusual attachment to certain objects.

To help families learn more about autism and other developmental disorders, William’s Garden holds monthly meetings at New Harvest Church of God on Boiling Springs Highway every third Saturday of the month from 10 a.m. until noon.

“These meetings are for parents of children with autism to meet and share their experiences with each other, for professionals to come and offer up-to-date medical treatment and technical information, as well as updates on the progress of William’s Garden as a whole,” a prepared statement from the help group said.

The group’s next meeting is Jan. 21, during which the guest speaker will be local chiropractic physician Dr. Hillary Mower. In addition, information about the availability of a tracking bracelet for children and adults with a tendency to wander will be discussed.

“Where it would normally take three hours or more to gather together enough information and manpower to initiate a search for a missing child or adult, with this program in place, that time is drastically cut and searches can begin in as little as one hour,” the statement said.

For more information about William’s Garden, visit the William’s Garden Web site at www.williamsgarden2010.com, or contact John or Marilyn Winright at (864) 812-7557; or (864) 812-7153.