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WashU senior Rachel Hochberg is not prepared to bid farewell.
This evening marks her last Night Off, a complimentary monthly babysitting gathering for children with autism, and she is going to miss these kids and their families dearly.
“I feel as though these are my kids,” expressed Hochberg, Night Off family coordinator. “It’s been a significant responsibility, one that I approach with utmost seriousness. Additionally, it has truly been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.”
She assembles a team of over 35 student volunteers in the Danforth University Center Fun Room for final guidance: Do not allow the children to play on the stairs, anticipate pizza around 6 p.m., and, please, refrain from using your phones.
“Keep in mind, we’re really here to build relationships with the kids,” Hochberg reminded.
Oh, and one more thing, interjects Night Off President Samantha Evanoff, also a graduating senior.
“Due to all the fantastic work you’ve accomplished, we have been nominated for a Program with a Purpose Excellence in Leadership Award,” Evanoff noted, referring to the annual Student Affairs Award. “It’s incredible because when we began, we were just a tiny group with a handful of families, and now we have 70 to 80 families participating in Night Off. Now, let’s welcome the children.”
Night Off is precisely that — a break for parents and a chance for children with autism and their siblings to forge new friendships. The age range of the children is from toddlers to teenagers; some are nonverbal and face physical challenges, while others require less assistance. Each child is paired with a student volunteer. On this night, most of the 32 children and their WashU companions engage in activities in the Fun Room. One pair works quietly on a floor puzzle while a volunteer prepares toy bowling pins for a teenage boy to topple. In another area, a group of girls draws in one room while others view a Disney film in another.
Evanoff stated that the student volunteers receive training to comprehend both their child’s verbal and nonverbal signals.
“It’s primarily about respect,” stated Evanoff, a philosophy-neuroscience-psychology major in Arts & Sciences who aspires to be a pediatric emergency physician. “We educate the volunteers on allowing extra time for processing, being conscious of sensory triggers, and providing students with choices. We don’t say, ‘We’re going to this room now’ when we notice a child becoming overstimulated. Instead, we ask, ‘Would you prefer to watch a movie or play a game?’”
Grace Guo, Night Off student coordinator, circulates between rooms, greeting each child by name. She knows that Baby Ray can recite a Star Wars dialogue flawlessly, Addie adores Taylor Swift, and Louisa excels at origami. She instructs one volunteer to escort her child to the restroom before dinner and reminds another to allow her child to eat only cheese pizza.
“One of the key things I’ve learned is how to observe and anticipate what the children will require next,” stated Guo, a pre-med student studying biochemistry in Arts & Sciences. “I’ve witnessed the children become increasingly comfortable with each visit. And the students have flourished as well, cultivating these strong bonds.”
One such duo consists of Maeve Vogl, a sophomore studying psychology in Arts & Sciences, and Tilly, a curious third grader. They have been partners for every Night Off session this year.
“Every time I complete my form for the next session, I always indicate that I’m willing to work with anyone, but I truly enjoy collaborating with Tilly,” Vogl stated with a smile at Tilly.
The pair frequently draw, engage in hangman, or play with Tilly’s sister, Sadie. Last month, Night Off coincided with Tilly’s birthday, and she had the choice between attending this event or opting for another activity.
“I chose to come here,” she shared. “Everyone sang ‘Happy Birthday.’ It was so enjoyable.”
On this evening, Tilly is adorned with the second-place ribbon from the science fair. Maeve congratulates her, but Tilly appears a bit disheartened.
“I secured first place last year,” Tilly expressed.
Tilly then inquires of Maeve what she aspires to be in the future.
“A pediatrician, someone who works with children,” Vogl replied. “Specifically, I want to be a developmental behavioral pediatrician.”
“Is that someone who works with autism?” Tilly queried.
Meanwhile, Hochberg attentively listens to a teenager upset that his mother gave away some of his toys to the group.
“I understand that you are upset, and I apologize that you feel this way,” Hochberg said. “Could you tell me something nice your mom does for you?”
He is unable to answer. However, with gentle encouragement, the boy shares that his mother enjoys surprising him. It takes some time, but eventually, he is prepared to join in the fun again.
“It’s not always straightforward,” Hochberg remarked, who is majoring in women, gender, and sexuality studies in Arts & Sciences and also plans to pursue a medical career. “We often discuss with our volunteers how to problem-solve and address their differences. But at the end of the day, they are kids. In this moment, he needed someone who would listen and allow him to express himself. We can all resonate with that feeling. Thus, I encourage volunteers to empathize and treat these kids how you would desire to be treated.”
The pizza arrives, and Hochberg moves into the movie room. She finally finds a moment to appreciate the flowers, cards, and gifts families brought her and Evanoff in honor of their graduation. But first, she retrieves her phone and approaches the front of the room.
“Does everyone want to look over here?” she asks and captures a photo. “That truly made my entire day.”
The post Growing Night Off program hosts babysitting event for children with autism appeared first on The Source.
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