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Brian Benson

When Nannette Ohman’s son was diagnosed with autism as a 2-year-old, she didn’t know where to turn. “I was looking for some support and some resources and there were none,” Ohman said.

She learned about a group of parents of children with autism meeting in an Ashland church and took part.

The group started with parents sharing information with each other and grew over time. More than two decades later, the group is known as the Autism Alliance of MetroWest and helps parents throughout the region. Ohman, the alliance’s executive director, retired at the end of June.

“It is very, very bittersweet,” Ohman said of retiring. “It was very hard for me to make that decision.”

Allison Daigle and Pam McKillop, who have both been involved in the organization for a longtime, took over as co-directors in July.

Ohman said she looks forward to spending time with her grandson but will miss the families she and the alliance has helped connect with resources and overcome tough times.

Sam Leone, whose 6-year-old daughter Nina has autism, praised the alliance for providing guidance and directing the family to financial and other resources as Nina battled medical complications.

“She’s one of the originals,” Leone, who lives in Natick, said of Ohman. “It’s tough to see her go… She’s been an asset beyond words to the Autism Alliance.”

The Leone family surprised Ohman with a $2,000 donation to the alliance. Sam Leone’s cousin, Peter Leone, ran this year’s Boston Marathon for Nina, raising about $7,500 for the alliance, the Angelman Syndrome Foundation and to help support Nina with things such as a bike and swimming lessons. Nina has Angelman Syndrome-like characteristics. The syndrome has many characteristics similar to autism.

The Leone family thanks the many people who donated for their support and love, Sam Leone said.

Source: 
Wicked Local Natick