(From late August 2023 issue of West Newsmagazine)
A saying long attributed to John F. Kennedy is featured on a poster hanging on the office wall of Ballwin alderman Mark Stallmann (District 2). It states: “One man can make a difference. Every man must try.”
The message has perfectly described Stallmann’s fervor for aiding those with autism.
Mark and his wife, Karen, met as students at UMSL and were married in 1985. Their son, Matthew, was born in 1989 and later diagnosed with non-verbal autism.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), roughly 1 in 36 American children are on the autism spectrum. The CDC defines autism spectrum disorder (ASD) as a developmental disability caused by differences in the brain. People with ASD often have problems with social communication and interaction, and restricted or repetitive behaviors or interests. People with ASD may also have different ways of learning, moving, or paying attention.
“It’s something that wasn’t understood for a really long time,” Stallmann said. “At first, they thought Matt was just delayed, then mentally retarded. Finally, when he was about 10, he was diagnosed with autism.”
The couple subsequently headed various programs on the topic. It was also around that time that they became Ballwin residents and Matthew entered into the Rockwood School District.
“Matthew started out at Kehr’s Mill Elementary ... before continuing onto Crestview Middle School and Marquette. It wasn’t going very well,” Stallmann said.
As an alternative to full-time public education, the family was directed to an independent school, called Giant Steps of St. Louis, for children and young adults with autism.
“They were great, and I’ve been on that Board of Directors for about the last 10 years,” Stallmann said.
When Matt started at Giant Steps, it was located in part of the old Westminster Christian Academy campus, after its purchase of the West County Tech building. Giant Steps is now located in Maplewood – ironically, in the former Concordia Lutheran grade school building where Stallmann once attended.
When Matt aged out of education the Stallmanns sought another type of program. They were directed to the Midwest Autism Program at the Center for Head Injury Services, now called Center for Specialized Services. The center began as a recovery program for individuals with traumatic brain injuries – some from birth and others from accidents.
Matt has been attending the center since age 21. Stallmann now serves on its Board of Directors.
“They train people for the job market with assisted employment,” Stallmann said, noting that job coaches help center participants obtain and maintain jobs. “Prior to the pandemic, they would arrange for Matt to go to the food bank, he’d volunteer at the YMCA and stock the copying machines at Maryville University.”
In addition to job training and coaching, the center offers a full spectrum of services to help people with brain injuries, autism, neurological disabilities, strokes, visual impairment and blindness, developmental and learning disabilities, mental illness, limited mobility and physical limitations. Those programs include day (SELF) services, community support services, therapy and counseling services, adaptive equipment services, employment and vocational services and social enterprises, which includes the Destination Desserts food truck and Wags in a Bag, a dog treat bakery.
Destination Desserts travels the metro area to businesses, parks and events offering a selection of gourmet cookies, cupcakes and other desserts. Wags in a Bag is a regular vendor at fairs and other events where furry friends are welcome and sells its treats directly and through specialty pet shops.
“Matthew understands pretty much anything you say to him. He just can’t respond verbally. He’ll make noises, laugh or cry and make other sounds, but he can’t speak,” Stallmann said. “He uses an app called ‘Prologue to Go’ on his iPad; then he can ask, ‘Can we go to the mall or Dairy Queen?’ There are also buttons to push like ‘Can I have something to eat or drink?’
“Technology has come a long way. When we started, we had a talking board, which was basically a screen with pictures, and he’d point to something he wanted. Then, we went to basically a touch screen computer where you’d push one button and it would say what he wanted. From there, we went to a more advanced computer like what his iPad does where it can be programmed for more specific choices. He can type some words and sentences and if you hold his elbow, he can spell out stuff he wants.”
Matthew can’t drive and will never live independently. Stallmann said Matt will have to be in some kind of facility or group home and, although Matt’s been on Medicaid since age 18, he said they faced bureaucratic issues enabling him to continue that process. Stallmann’s political relationships helped but for most people he said acquiring the care they need is a major struggle.
Stallmann is quick to give credit where credit is due.
“My wife does a fabulous job with Matt,” he said. “Because I’m gone a lot, she always takes care of him and advocates for him.”
An advocate himself, Stallmann was appointed by Gov. Mel Carnahan to the public review committee for the Special School District (SSD).
“It was that group that came up with the current structure of the SSD,” Stallmann explained. “It’s now run by the school districts as the governing council instead of unions like the NEA (National Education Association). School districts elect people and the governing council selects the school board. They’re not an elected body any longer. It has worked out well. I was actually treasurer of the campaign to get that passed on the ballot, and was also active for SSD’s tax campaign.”
Stallmann’s desire to champion for those whose lives are challenged by disabilities was likely inspired by his dad, Reinhold Stallmann, who relied on a wheelchair as the result of polio.
Reinhold became ill while engaged to Stallmann’s mother. His parents were married the day Reinhold left the hospital. A Lutheran minister, Reinhold went on to graduate from Concordia Seminary. He spent his career at the Concordia Publishing House as a writer, proofreader and editor.
“My father was involved in community, and I learned from him that you have to make a difference. I firmly believe all of us can make the world a better place; especially for kids and adults with autism,” Stallmann said.
To join in helping children and adults with autism, consider joining the Center for Specialized Services at Old Hickory Golf Club in St. Peters for its 20th Annual Gray Matters Charity Golf Tournament on Sept. 28. Registration is due by Sept. 14 and can be made online at cssstl.org.
