Looking for the missing puzzle piece: Run, walk raise money, awareness for autism

America’s introduction to autism may have been the 1988 finale of the TV series “St. Elsewhere.” The medical drama — with its tender love stories, violent tragedies and even a ZZ Top video — was revealed to have been the daydream of an autistic boy as he stared into a snow globe.
“I don’t understand this autism thing, Pop,” the boy’s father tells his own father. “He’s my son. I talk to him, and I don’t know if he can hear me.”
Nearly three decades later, autism is still like a puzzle with a piece missing. And that missing piece is the symbol for Bayou Autism, which staged its annual 5K run and fundraiser Saturday in Morgan City.
According to the Autism Speaks website, “Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and autism are both general terms for a group of complex disorders of brain development. These disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviors.”
About one child in 68 has been identified as autistic, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta. It’s about five times more common in boys than in girls. Although the lack of communication may hint at an intellectual disability, the CDC said about half of autistic children display average or above-average intelligence.
Saturday’s 5K run and walk started and ended at Morgan City Junior High School. Participants divided themselves into teams named for individual autistic children — Team Charlie, Team ARC for Ava, Royce and Cameron, Team Austin and so one.
Danielle Dupont is a member of Team Tyler. She was accompanied by Boss, a 10-month old boxer wearing a puzzle-piece scarf on his collar.
“We show support whenever we can, with all the puzzle pieces,” Dupont said. “If somebody asks about it, I tell them all about it.”
This year’s run and walk was accompanied by a silent auction of donated items.
The overall winner in the 5K run was Cade Minton, 16, who finished in 19:31. The top finisher among women was Michelle Templet with a 22:29.
In the men’s 65 and over division, Marcus Jones, 70, finished in 25:50, about 6-1/2 minutes off the pace set by the 16-year-old winner. Pat Macey, 82, won first in the women’s over 65 division with a 53:56.
The top finishers were:
Overall
Male: 1. Cade Minton, 16, 19:31. 2. Pat Riggins, 56, 19:38. 3. Keith Pinho, 41, 20:42.
Female: 1. Michelle Templet, 44, 22.29. 2. Michaela Matherne, 16, 23:19. 3. Christine Bolette, 26:24.
13 and under
Male: 1. Jose Ibarra, 12, 31:59. 2. Michael Carbonell, 6, 37:09. 3. Kaiden Theriot, 11, 50:47.
Female: 1. Adria Crochet, 11, 33:04. 2. Kieton Theriot, 5, 42:59. Belle, 3, 49:24.
14-24
Male: Jean Pat Dupuy, 22:03. 2. Logan Fontenot, 30:14. 3. Blane White, 36:02.
Female: 1. Meagan Gonzales, 19, 32:43. 2. Chrstine Falgout, 18, 32:49. 3. Gabrielle Pinho, 14, 33:09.
25-34
Male: 1. Matt Williamson, 34, 21:56. 2. Chris Shirley, 22:43. 3. Brandon Fears, 22:52.
Female: 1. Kelly King, 27:22. 2. Alexia Bailey, 27:34. 3. Jenna Gaspar, 31:30.
35-44
Male: 1. Richard Clause, 24:21. 2. Terry Armond, 25:13. 3. Joe B. King, 26.51.
Female: 1. Anna Saleme, 29:54. 2. Toya Billiot, 31:15. 3. Nicole Bower, 36:56.
45-54
Male: 1. Donny Eisenman, 24:31. 2. Richard Lejeune, 24:35. 3. Wesley Knight, 24:46.
Female: 1. Jody Broussard, 29:49. 2. Cindy Gunter, 32:57. 3. Melissa Folse, 36:49.
55-64
Male: 1. Joe Walker, 37:48. 2. Eldon Foret Jr., 44:47.
Female: 1. Mary Jo Beadle, 41:04. 2. Marilyn Oldfather, 52:25. 3. Dorinda Theriot, 58:07.
65 and over
Male: 1. Marcus Jones, 25:50.
Female: 1. Pat Macey, 53:56.