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Below are some answers to the questions that I am most frequently asked about Autism. These explanations are given in short form, and are not medical advice. They are based simply upon 5 years of personal experience and research.
Autism Spectrum Disorder is a neurological disorder that causes changes in the way a person experiences the world around him/her. These changes can, in turn, have a profound impact on the way a person communicates, interacts with others and processes information. There are 1.5 million adults and children affected by Autism in the United States. Autism affects each person who has it a little differently. I have two biological children and one step child with Autism, and each one experiences Autism differently, even though they share similar symptoms and behaviors.
Autism is an umbrella term that actually refers to a group of symptoms or behaviors. Because Autism is not a disease, there is no medical test for it. Diagnosis is made by trained professionals who make observations and then refer to a list of diagnostic criteria. If enough criteria are met, then the individual is given a diagnosis based on which symptoms or behaviors are present. There are signs that a parent can watch for:
If any of these sound familiar to you, please contact your child's Physician immediately. There is no shame in having a child with Autism. Early and intensive intervention is the best chance your child has at learning to function on their own.
Breathe. Because medical science does not know the exact cause of Autism there is nothing that you could have done to prevent it. You have the power, however, to dramatically affect the outcome of your child's life. As soon as you are able, contact your County's Public Health office. Explain to them that your child has recently been diagnosed with Autism, and you would like information on what programs are available to help him/her. Also, contact you local School District. Ask for the Early Childhood Special Education department, and tell them the same thing. Talk with your child's Physician about referring your child to Physical, Occupational and Speech therapies as soon as possible. Contact your own Physician or Pastor about counseling for yourself and your family. Autism causes a great deal of stress on families, and while there is no one to blame, families sometimes disintegrate under the weight of guilt and anger.
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Gabriel's Army is a Non-Profit [501(c)(3)] organization that I am forming to assist families of children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder find resources and assistance in their area. Autism can place incredible stress on families, and often times important sources of help are missed because families are not aware of them. Gabriel's Army has contacts in each County Public Health office and community to get families the support they need to optimize the child's potential and keep the family unit from dissolving. It was named after my son, Gabriel, who was diagnosed with Autism in 2002 and has truly been God's Messenger. Please contact me at beadyeyeshaws@hotmail.com for more information.
Autism appears, at least from current research, to be a neurological disorder caused by irregular growth patterns in the brain. Some areas of the brain grow to be larger than those of a neurotypical individual, while others remain smaller. There are several schools of thought as to what may cause these changes, ranging from genetics to illness to heavy metal poisoning. Because each individual case may have a combination of causes, there is not one single treatment or therapy that works in every case. There are several that are very effective. If you are interested in reading more about these options, please click here. The article is long, and perhaps a bit overwhelming at first, but the information is very valuable.
