Finding A Way Through Autism

As evidenced by the recent findings from a study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), autism continues to be on the rise.  The 2014 survey concluded that the rate of autism in children in the United States is 1 in 50. We are certainly in a time of extreme growth and continued uncertainty as to the causes and growth of autism spectrum disorder.  One thing is for sure…. closer examination is warranted and in fact, essential.

What does this mean to families?

With more than 3,600 children in Broward County Schools with autism spectrum disorder, thousands of families are impacted.  The challenges of raising a child with autism can be overwhelming.  More often than we care to think about, even with today’s awareness efforts, families’ concerns over their developing toddler are taken as less than serious by medical practitioners.  Families are often faced with the need to seek out second opinions to address their mounting concerns.  Through the efforts of parents and professionals alike, it is highly recognized that early intervention is pivotal to outcomes for children with autism.  Early diagnosis jump-starts opportunities for success.

According to the CDC, Know the Signs/Act Early Campaign, some of the signs of autism spectrum disorder are:

•Not respond to their name by 12 months

•Not point at objects to show interest (point at an airplane flying over) by 14 months

•Not play “pretend” games (pretend to “feed” a doll) by 18 months

•Avoid eye contact and want to be alone

•Have trouble understanding other people’s feelings or talking about their own feelings

•Have delayed speech and language skills

•Repeat words or phrases over and over (echolalia)

•Give unrelated answers to questions

•Get upset by minor changes

•Have obsessive interests

•Flap their hands, rock their body, or spin in circles

•Have unusual reactions to the way things sound, smell, taste, look, or feel

During the period between diagnosis and intervention particularly, parents may experience a season of grieving.  The child that they thought they had may be experiencing difficulties that they don’t feel equipped to handle.  Emotions range from sadness to excitement in a moment’s notice and worry for the future pushes many parents to put the lives of other family members on hold.  Questions about therapies, education, medical treatments and the like can keep a parent awake at night.  This roller coaster ride of development can be enough to keep a parent down, or keep a parent going.

If You’re Concerned

If you think your child may show some deficits in the way they play, learn, speak or behave, contact your child’s doctor and share your concerns.  If after a consultation, either you or your doctor continues to have these concerns, ask for a referral to a specialist who can conduct a more in-depth evaluation of your child.  This may include a visit to a developmental pediatrician, child neurologist, psychologist or psychiatrist.  For children under the age of 3, contact Child Find to request an evaluation and guidance to intervention services.

Where can families find support?

•             211 is a great asset to families living in Broward County.  211 provides resource and referrals to those seeking guidance and assistance.

•             The UM/NSU Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD) provides individual and family support services, consultation and technical assistance, parent and professional training and public awareness and outreach.

•             The Autism Society of Broward offers a parent support group, informational meetings, and a host of recreational activities for kids and adults alike.

•             SPEC (Support for Parents of Exceptional Children) is an autism parent support group that meets the first Wednesday of each month at the Miami Children’s Hospital in Weston at 7 PM.

•             The Autism Notebook is a brand new publication created specifically for parents, educators and people living with autism.  This magazine provides education, services and inspiration to families, caregivers and providers.  Find the most recent edition at www. facebook.com/TheAutismNotebook

There is no definitive cause of autism.  Many researchers are involved in identifying its epidemiology, however much more research is required.  In addition, funding increases are desperately needed to support those living with autism today.  From evidenced based educational programs, to supported living and employment opportunities, needs of those with autism must be recognized and dollars allocated to improve the quality of life for all.

People with autism have much to offer our community.  Their carefree, honest and nonjudgmental spirit, as well as skilled memory, passion and an uncanny eye for detail is oftentimes seen as nothing less than extraordinary.  We must be careful as a society not to fail to recognize the unique gifts that individuals with autism have to share.  Through societal awareness, acceptance and understanding, the desire of those living with autism to reach their full potential can become a reality.

Stacey Hoaglund is the editor of The Autism Notebook, Special Needs Advocate with Family Network on Disabilities, a past president of the Autism Society of Broward and most importantly, parent of a young man with autism.