Why Rowdy?

Myers, aka Rowdy, is our youngest son. He is a fun loving 7-year-old boy who was diagnosed with Autism shortly after his 2nd birthday. While Myers has Autism, his diagnosis has never defined who he is! Whether it’s playing in the backyard or riding on the tractor, he truly loves anything and everything outside. He is blessed with an amazing imagination that can take him from the couch to the wild west in an instant, or from the bathtub to an all-out pirate battle on rough seas!

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After his initial diagnosis, we were scrambling to find local therapy and resource options like so many other parents who have found themselves in a similar situation. We knew that we weren’t the only ones to have walked this journey, but at that moment in time we felt alone and lost. Luckily, our wonderful pediatrician put us in touch with Mississippi Early Intervention where we began our journey. After receiving services through Baptist Outpatient we were fortunate to connect with two local Autism Support organizations in our community, The TK Martin Center Project Impact and The Golden Triangle Autism Center.

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Starting in the summer of 2018 at GTAC and the fall of the same year at TK Martin, Myers has progressed by leaps and bounds. The progress he has made in both communication and behavior skills would be hard to measure by using any gauge. The progress has been nothing less than remarkable! From starting with little to no words, he is now a chatter box expanding his vocabulary on what seems like a daily basis. Full length conversations full of creativity and imagination are now a daily occurrence with Myers... when once this would have only been something of our wildest dreams. Progress that we know is only possible due to services and support he has received at these outstanding local organizations. 

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Rowdy opened our eyes to the world of special needs and Autism specifically. We have seen firsthand the amazing work done by the teams at GTAC and TK Martin, and want to support their efforts in every way we can. At the Rowdy Foundation we want to support autism resources and special needs inclusion throughout North Mississippi. 

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Proceeds are distributed to various special needs programs throughout North Mississippi as well as put towards sensory friendly events The Rowdy Foundation hosts throughout the year.

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Our events include:

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The Rowdy Races: The Rowdy Races: Held this past fall at Lowndes County Soccer Complex, kids of all ages and needs were able to compete together in the Golden Triangles' first-ever all-inclusive obstacle course! The event was a huge success, with over 250 participants!

 

Rowdy Hoops: An all-inclusive basketball game in partnership with the Heritage Academy senior class. An excellent opportunity for hoop stars who usually may not get time on the court to shine and show their skills.

 

Rebooted In My Shoes: An in school program designed to show children without disabilities what it’s like to walk in the shoes of children with disabilities. This program was provided for free to our local schools. We are very excited to see this program continue to grow!

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Formed Special Support: A support group for parents and caregivers of those who have special needs. A shame and guilt-free gathering to talk through the highs and lows of caring for someone with special needs.

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Sensory Saturday Events: Hosted sensory events with other local organizations that allowed opportunities for kids and parents alike to learn new and fun sensory activities through their five senses.

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Rowdy Movie Events: Provided a sensory-friendly outing for those who may not typically be able to enjoy a day out to the big screen. The lights were left partially on, and the sound was turned down, but all had FUN!

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As our list continues to grow, we would love your support whether it be monetary or sponsoring and/or attending one of our upcoming events.

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We hope that you will help us continue to Get Rowdy for Special Needs!

 

Scott & Whitney Ferguson