As Autism Awareness month comes to a close, I would like to take the time to summarize some points that were made throughout the month...

• Autism is classified as a developmental disability, which primarily affects a person's ability in social interaction and communication.  Autism is known as a spectrum disorder because it affects each individual in different ways and to varying degrees.
• Children and adults on the spectrum are unique in that they perceive the world differently.  Their ability to process incoming sensation is compromised, and interferes with their ability to communicate and socialize.
• No two individuals with autism are alike.  Even among twins, they have unique personalities and abilities just like anyone else.  They eat, think, play, work and love just like you.  However, every day tasks require much more effort.  We need to see the person behind the diagnosis and help them reach their potential.
• The CDC recently raised the rate of diagnosis to 1 in 88 children.  1 in 88 children are diagnosed with autism! 12 school aged children receive services for autism in the small community of Jasper County.  This is not including those who are not school aged and who do not wish to share a diagnosis of autism with the school system.

Red Flags for autism include:

• No big smiles or other warm, joyful expressions by 6 months or thereafter
• No back-and-forth sharing of sounds, smiles, or other facial expressions by nine months or thereafter
• No babbling by 12 months
• No back-and-forth gestures, such as pointing, showing, reaching, or waving by 12 months
• No words by 16 months
• No two-word meaningful phrases (without imitating or repeating) by 24 months
• Any loss of speech, babbling or social skills at any age

If your child exhibits any of the above, consult your physician, and seek assistance from a specialist.  Be mindful that other disorders can look like autism.  It takes someone with experience who specializes in development to tease out the underlying condition for your child's developmental patterns. If you need guidance with this, contact Integrated Therapy Services at (630)346-7411.


To the general public:
If you see a family out in town who is struggling to complete a task such as grocery shopping or dining out due to their child's behaviors.  Do not assume they are "bad parents" and can't "control their child".  Do not think the child "just needs more discipline".  For parents who have children with autism, public outings can be quite difficult.  The change in routine, loud noises, bright lights and awkward social interactions cause children with autism to become confused, anxious and fearful... sometimes to the point that they become flight risks, or become shut down.  Parents often overcome the embarrassment that this causes for their family due to the necessity of tasks or just because they have been through it enough.  However, they likely do not overlook the comments that are made by onlookers (good or bad).  When you see a family that you know is struggling, offer your support.  Open the door, Ask what you can do, smile at them and tell them it's ok.  Be patient and be kind.  A little compassion goes a looooong way!  

If you own a business in town, do your best to learn about autism and related conditions so that you can accommodate these families.  If you are a public service worker, please take note.  You may find yourself assisting a child with autism one day.  It will become essential to know how to communicate with that child so that you can do your job to help them.

For more information about autism, you can visit www.autism-society.org, www.autismspeaks.org, www.icdl.com, www.profectum.org.  Also, watch the HBO special, Temple Grandin and read her book: Thinking in Pictures.  It will provide insight into the mind of an adult who grew up with autism.

You can also learn more by attending workshops held by Jasper Outreach in Newton, IL.

Why learn more?  Because autism is here.  Children with autism are growing into adults.  There is no avoiding it.  You will know someone with autism in your lifetime.  They might work with you, for you, or move in next door.  People with autism have great abilities and have a lot to offer this world. Why not learn how to communicate with them?  It may open more doors than you realize!

I recently asked a parent that I work with to write an article in honor of autism awareness month.  I asked that she present a picture of what a day in the life of a family with autism looks like.  She went above and beyond my request and submitted the following article using examples from several parents who live with autism daily.  Thank you Vicky!  I encourage people to comment on this article as I feel this is such a wonderful springboard for discussion.  I hope it gets you thinking!!
Understanding Autism

By:  Victoria Stankus

March 30, 2012
When my daughter, Elizabeth, was born, I never considered the fact that she might be among the many diagnosed with autism. At that time, I believe the numbers were 1 in 250 being diagnosed, but I wasn’t too aware of what it all meant until my life was personally immersed in it. I quickly learned that autism is a spectrum disorder, which means the symptoms and characteristics of it can appear in various combinations, ranging from mild to severe. No two children are alike. I also learned the symptoms of autism can improve with various therapies and treatments, which is very good to know. Unfortunately, one thing I wish I hadn’t learned is that raising a child with autism also includes being exposed to merciless comments made about you or your child. The comments are not always intended to be hurtful, but they usually come from a lack of understanding about the disorder. With this in mind, many parents have learned to ignore the comments (even though they do hurt) and/or have made efforts to educate those who will listen. That is my purpose for writing this article – not to whine and complain about unfair treatment, but to increase the awareness and familiarity of autism, and to help give others a better understanding of those affected by it. 

NOTE:  Included in this article are actual comments spoken from people who were misinformed about autism. These quotes were specifically sent to me by other parents of autistic children from various online support groups. (You would be amazed at how many comments I received, so weeding them down to a few was difficult.) Permission was granted to publish the comments; however, identifying names have been removed in order to protect the privacy of each one involved.

Comments Regarding Discipline

Autism spectrum disorders are neurodevelopmental in nature, and it is difficult for affected children to understand the environment around them. They have barriers in their brains that make it difficult for them to adapt to their surroundings. This may include (but is not limited to) sensory dysfunction, self-stimulating behaviors, lack of social skills, lack of communication skills and compulsive tendencies. Many people confuse the behaviors that result from these issues as a lack of discipline, which is not always the case, and should never be automatically assumed. Here are a few comments along these lines:

1.  Tina says: After my son had a tantrum in McDonald's, an elderly couple asked me if he was ok. I replied “He's fine, he has autism and sometimes...” and in mid-sentence, they interrupted me and said, "That's nothing a good swift kick in the butt wouldn't cure.”

2.  Veronica had a very close relative tell her, "He is not autistic, he is just taking advantage of you, can't you see that? His problem is simple, he is just SPOILT, that's all.”

3.  Lynn says: My daughter was “acting up” one day because we were away from home and in a different environment. She may have been hungry or tired, but just didn’t know how to tell me. I was having a hard time getting her to stay calm when my dad’s sister (who was visiting from out of state) asked, “Would she listen better to her grandpa?” implying that my daughter’s behavior was due to a discipline problem and she needed a firmer hand to make her behave.

Comments Regarding Special Diets

Many children who have been diagnosed with autism or sensory processing disorders have dramatically improved after being put on special diets, such as gluten-free and casein-free (GFCF). Gluten is a protein found in wheat, oats, barley and rye. Casein is the protein found in milk products. Other diets, such as the Feingold Diet, include the removal of preservatives and artificial dyes. The limitations of these special diets are apparently confusing to many misinformed people. Some of the comments include:

1.  Said to Laura - “Doesn't he starve?”

2.  Said to Monica - "Maybe he won't talk because you won't give him the food he wants."

3.  One mom shared that her son's school felt she was being abusive because her son was on a restrictive diet for autism. The school said it is unhealthy to deny a child fast food and candy like other kids get.

 
Comments Pertaining to Language Delays

Contrary to what some believe, the lack of speech in an autistic child does not mean the child is without intelligence. Children with autism do learn, and many can be successfully taught to function, when they are given appropriate therapies and treatment. Simply put, autism produces barriers in the brain which does not allow information to process correctly. A child with autism may actually understand what you say, but the barriers hinder the child from being able to respond appropriately. However, many autistic children can develop functional language and others can develop some type of communication skills, such as sign language or use of pictures. Those who are mildly affected by the disorder may exhibit only slight delays in language, but could have a greater lack in social skills. Therefore, he or she may not be able to initiate or maintain a proper conversation. Communication is often described as “talking at others” instead of with them. For example, they may continue to talk about a favorite subject without pausing, despite the attempts of others to interject comments.

 
1.  Monica says: When strangers say “Hi” to my 4-year-old autistic son, I often tell them he cannot talk. Once, I got the comment, "Maybe he just doesn't have anything to say.” One lady actually said, "What did you do to the poor child?"

2.  Said to Debi - "She can't be autistic. She's too smart."

3.  Said to Laura - “Well, what did you expect. You let him point to an object to get his way - you should have made him talk.”

Comments Regarding Odd Behaviors

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 88 children in the United States are being diagnosed with autism (numbers published March 2012). With the way autism has increased in numbers in the last 10 years, I believe in the importance of making others aware of it. It is now considered an “epidemic.” Chances are, if a family member does not have autism, you will at least eventually run into someone who does. So, when that happens, please remember there is probably a reason why this child is “acting out” in some odd way. With sensory issues, compulsive tendencies, and lack of communication skills, these children are doing the best they can with whatever situation they are in. The parents, likewise, are doing the best they can to keep their child calm, happy, and secure in his world. Instead of making unnecessary comments, be kind and courteous. A simple smile or a pat on the arm can be more encouraging than you realize.    

1.  Laurel’s son refused to eat meat of any kind due to oral-sensory issues. Someone said to her, “Can't you just reason with him?"

2.  Veronica’s son was 3 years old and attending his cousin's christening. Veronica says: He was enjoying the church's different space andtrotting back and forth on the sides of the church. Not being noisy, just not sitting down. A staff member of the church came and asked me to control him. I said, “I can't, he's autistic, he is going to scream if I stop him.” (He would have). She told me to wait outside. This was the second time we had been kicked out of a church for family events.