Bringing Autism Solutions Right To You!

We are all too familiar with children that display characteristics at an

early age which seem odd or peculiar but can't quite put our finger on

exactly what is wrong, if anything. Since Autism Spectrum Disorders also

known as Pervasive Developmental Disorders are diagnosed by specialists

through the observation of certain behaviors over time. This makes it

entirely possible for the general public to at least learn what characteristics

to watch for if they are suspicious that a child may have this disability. This

way, if they have an idea that the child has autism, they can seek the proper

channels for an accurate and early diagnosis by a professional in order to get

the proper strategies and systems in place soon in the child’s life. In this day

of inclusion, learning styles and techniques must be taught and understood

by everyone so the school experience for all will be as effective as possible.

This is in no way meant to replace a proper diagnosis, rather to explore

the possibility of autism in order to help get the children who need it the

most to the right doctors. As a result of early and proper intervention,

proper strategies, techniques and supports can be put into place. The

awareness of these symptoms, early diagnosis and support will result in

taking years off the diagnosis cycle in the long-run. The child will

ultimately be able to learn much more, have greater self-esteem and a much

better chance at being successful in their lives due to addressing the right

teaching and learning styles and strategies. The other lives these children

touch such as their peers and siblings will also be enriched by their presence

and will gain a deeper, much greater understanding of autism and special

needs. With proper and early diagnosis, it will also enable parents, extended

family and educators to move people through their "denial phase" more

quickly and offer the best possible solutions for the child if they, in fact,

have a disorder on the autism spectrum.

It is my belief that the main reason children are missed in the recognition

phase of the diagnosis often times is that these children are generally very

normal in appearance hence the name for this condition "the invisible

disability" so are therefore overlooked. Seeing a child spinning around in

circles or waving their hands in the air seems like typical child's play to

everyone with an untrained eye. What is it that separates this behavior from

regular play? It can be truly hard to tell, especially to the person who is not

knowledgeable or aware of what to look for.

Another reason it is often overlooked, though it's tough for me to

mention, is the parent's very own denial of something being wrong with

their child. After all, didn't they receive a clean "bill of health" at the

hospital when the child was born? Ten toes, ten fingers, the doctor

announced "a fine healthy baby boy" to mom and dad! How can something

so real change? Besides, it is incredibly hard on the mother or father’s own

ego at a personal level to discover or even suspect that their child may in fact

have autism. Certain cultures in particular have a very difficult time

accepting this special needs diagnosis as it has been negatively ingrained

deep within their belief structure for hundreds of years.

When my son was 2 ½, it was my sister in law who chall enged me to

have him checked out by a doctor after she had listened to a radio talk show.

I only did so for the purpose of proving her wrong as I was so defensive that

she would even suggest such a preposterous idea and thought she was just

comparing her daughter to my son who happened to be the same age. I’m

glad I was so stubborn that I had to prove her wrong rather than just sit back

and wait to see. I sure had to eat my words and humble myself when I

finally learned the truth and am glad I did. though I didn’t feel that way at

the time. She was the catalyst for me and thank God she was. I was able to

get out of my own way and move on to what was most important, Jonathan

and his early intervention. On the other hand, my Italian husband, after

years of saying "there's nothing wrong with Jonny" finally recognizes and

accepts Jonathan’s autism though is very reluctant to admit it in social

situations.

Extended family can also be difficult in relating to this condition, as

many of the autism characteristics that seem to display themselves in our

children are the very traits often times hidden in our family trees through the

behaviors and tendencies in our aunts, uncles, grandparents an so on. Of

course, we couldn't ever say that to them and nor should we. Instead we

should seek to understand this factor and let it help us so that we do not take

misunderstanding and criticism personally. Their comments are not an

attack upon us as parents in general or as something against our child with

autism, rather an inner fear having something to do with their own agendas.

Having said this, many times it is this very group of extended family that

actually notice and point out the differences in behavior to the parents as

parents can be blinded to these traits as they are the ones continually around

their children day in and day out and many times have grown to believe they

are perfectly normal.

In summary, I cannot over emphasized the importance of having

everyone on the face of this earth familiar with the early warning signs of

autism spectrum disorders so that proper interventions can take place as

early and as is feasibly possible. The longer the typical autism

communication, behavior, sensory and social skills styles are not addressed,

the more ingrained these traits become and the more difficult it is to change

them. This is especially true in this type of individual who's major

characteristic is that of practicing and practicing whatever it is they enjoy

until they perfect it. Even if it is something negative as in the case of their

stimulatory behavior.

Attached to this article is a Mini Autism Quiz to help ALL people at least

begin to recognize signs to watch for in pre-school children. Hopefully this

will help the process along and encourage people to get out of their own way

to help their very own children. Others can also carefully suggest that a

parent seek proper intervention with the many books and resources available

that haven’t been available in the past. With the tools available in this day

and age, there is no excuse for these children to fall through the cracks of the

system.

Are you wondering whether a pre-school aged child you know may have an Autism

Spectrum Disorder such as a type of Autism or Asperger's (pronounced Ass-burgers)

Syndrome?

Take this simple little quiz.

1. Do they spin objects around and around?

2. Is their speech repetitive, like an echo?

3. Are they attracted to shows like Wheel of Fortune or Jeopardy?

4. Do they like to watch the same movie over and over again?

5. Are they fascinated with numbers and letters?

6. Do they seem unafraid of things that they should be afraid of?

7. Is it hard for them to make eye contact or they simply don't?

8. Do they shun away from being touched or arch their back when held?

9. Do they like to line objects up in rows?

10. Do they lack the ability to play "with" other children interactively?

11. Do they walk up or down stairs always leading with the same foot?

If you answer yes to three or more of these questions, have them checked out by a

professional who is recommended by your local Autism Society.

To find more information and resources on Autism and Asperger’s, please visit

http://www.autismtoday.com/