Autism is a development disability wherein the brain does not work correctly. It usually manifests in the first three years of a child's life and in general, children affected have different ways of seeing, hearing, and feeling things. Often communication is difficult for those with autism. Many parents are at a loss as to how to help and raise their autistic children.
According to Jack E. George, autism expert and author of The Autism Handbook, there are different types of autism related disorders and each subcategory can be mildly moderate to severe. Some manifest themselves with a great degree of development and communication problems whereas at the other end of the spectrum the level of autistic difficulty is much less. As a personal example, I have a friend who has a form of autism-Asperger Syndrome. He writes as well or better than some professional writers, has been involved in athletics for years and has been a good, jovial friend for years. On the other end of the spectrum, I knew a 14-year-old autistic child who I could not communicate with at all.
Many parents of autistic children are sad, frustrated, and at a loss in how to help their children. What is paramount for parents to know is there is absolutely no proof that bad parenting, neglect, or a poor upbringing is the reason for autism. Therefore, there should be no guilt in this regard for parents!
Experts have been unable to determine the cause of autism, and most agree there is no magic formula to cure autistic people either. However, great improvements in affected areas of an autistic person's life can occur.
Is there hope for a better life for most autistic children with proper and early help? Yes, there is always hope and in addition, tomorrow may have new and improved treatments. Never give up hope for your child and say they may never speak or walk. You and any professional should look at your child with an open mind for any possible positive strides.
A professional must diagnose autism
. The sooner this diagnosis is made, the better off a child will be. If you notice behavior that concerns you, behavior such as:
- Not doing things other children in his or her age group are doing
- While showing affection like cuddling or kissing you notice they are not interested
- Lack of eye contact
- They may not respond to their name when called
- You have a "gut" feeling that there is something developmentally wrong with your child
How You Can Help Your Child
- Special Education in schools can differ depending on the amount of funding available for the school, however, thanks to the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) of 1990 schools are required to offer certain care for your autistic child. Learn all you can about this act. It is important for you to read and understand the IDEA law in order to become familiar with your rights as a parent.
- It is important to have written records of your child's, diagnoses, symptoms and behavior as they can assist school officials with the correct school environment and assistance program they may develop for your child, called: The Individualized Education Plan (IEP).
- Stay involved in your child's education.
- Communicate with your partner. Prepare yourself so you will be able to cope with anything that may come about regarding autism.
- Build a supporting network. Surround yourself with good, positive people who can support you through the mental stress you may face.
- Learn everything you can about autism and keep up to date with the latest information about autism.
Above all, remember your child is just as unique as your neighbor's child. He or she has a special spark that nothing or no one can take away. Do everything you can to make that spark shine, for you and for them.
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