Saturday, April 26, 2014

A Better Understanding of Autism

In light of Autism Awareness Month, I revised an article I wrote a couple of years ago, and want to share it with you now...

When my 15-year-old daughter 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
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 aunt (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.  

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, lack of social skills, lack of communication skills and compulsive tendencies. As a child gets overwhelmed, he may “act out” in various ways to help him cope, such as arm flapping, rocking, screaming, crying, and/or being uncooperative. Many people confuse these behaviors with a lack of discipline, which is not always the case, and should never be automatically assumed.

Comments Regarding Special Diets
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.

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.

Comments Pertaining to Language Delays
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.” 

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 him 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.

Comments Regarding Odd Behaviors
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.      Curtis shared how his son (5 years old at the time) would repeat things over and over. While at the store, he would say Hi to the employees, using their name from their nametags, then asked them continually, "What are you doing, (insert name)? Most employees could figure out that he had some type of learning problem, but one responded sternly, "I've answered you once; you should understand that by now." 

3.      Monica said:  One time in the grocery store, my son was flapping his arms. A man walked by and asked, "How long will he do that until he realizes he cannot fly?" 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 68 school children in the United Stated, have some form of autism. With the way autism has increased in numbers, 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, please be kind and courteous. A simple smile or a pat on the arm can be more encouraging than you realize.    



For more information about autism, please check out these websites: 



Wednesday, April 23, 2014

MINISTRY FOCUS: Build On Truth Ministries

UPDATE: This ministry is no longer active due to the death of the founder in May 2017. 
 
In the past, I have posted about various Christian ministries to help make you aware of what is out there - who we can be supporting through prayer or financial support, who we can refer others to, etc. Well, today's ministry focus is near and dear to my heart, because it is for my dad.

Dr. James L. McIntosh has been involved in various ministry opportunities for as long as I have known him, but is now taking a new step of faith. He is retiring from Brookes Bible College in May, and will be venturing out to provide pulpit supply and interim pastoral services to area churches, as well as be available for seminars and revivals.

Check out his new website for more information:
BUILD ON TRUTH MINISTRIES

This is an exciting step for him, and also a new challenge. Please keep him in prayer as he follows the Lord's leading in this area; and, if your church is interested in his services, please use the contact form on the website. He would love to hear from you!

Tuesday, April 1, 2014

Autism Affects Us All

 
 
 
You may be seeing a lot of blue lights shining this month, people wearing blue, people wearing puzzle piece pins, people decorating their homes and businesses - all to help increase awareness of autism.

Why all the attention on this disorder? Because the new numbers from the CDC show 1 in 68 kids now being diagnosed. We all need to be aware of this disorder because these kids will be grownups someday. Autism affects, or will affect EVERYONE on earth in some way.

If you don't know much about autism, please look it up or ask questions about it.  My husband and I would be happy to answer any questions regarding our daughter.