Here is an article I wrote for our newsletter at work:
April is National Autism Awareness Month. But what is Autism?? Autism is a general term used to describe a group of complex developmental brain disorders or commonly known as Autism Spectrum Disorder. Who is affected by autism? As of today approximately 1 in 110 are affected by this disorder and in the United State 1 out of 70 boys is diagnosed with autism. Autism is more common than childhood cancer, juvenile diabetes and pediatric AIDS combined.
While many people argue that vaccines cause autism and/or environmental issues tip children over into the autism spectrum…the honest answer is that the medical field simply doesn’t know what causes autism. While the more complex answer is that just as there are different levels of severity and combinations of symptoms in autism, there are probably multiple causes as well as a small number of medical conditions that can be linked to the spectrum as well.
There are many different forms of therapies used to help a child on the autism spectrum. These vary in thought and philosophy. Therapy for autistic children is expensive, as the majority of insurance companies do not cover these therapies leaving families to stretch their ever tightening budgets to provide the many needed therapy sessions and medical resources. The Virginia General Assembly has passed some newer legislation for children under 5—it’s a start, way pass due, but we are still awaiting the governor to sign the bill into law. Pediatricians are more in tune to testing children and watching for red flag’s now as well.
Family dynamics are forever changed once a child is given the autism diagnosis. Parents go through the cycle of grief many times…it is hard to learn your precious child may never speak, may always need your assistance to eat, dress, bath & toilet…you learn to become a strong advocate, you become your child’s voice. And when you meet one child with autism you meet one—each child on the spectrum is different with differing needs, levels of communication and severity of neurological deficits.
Meet Our Hayden—
When Hayden was 25 month’s old he was placed on the autism spectrum after many frustrating months of doctor visits, observation of behaviors and finally “momma’s gut” feelings. Hayden also has generalized epilepsy, which for some children autism goes along with epilepsy. Hayden had a few words but unfortunately he now mostly makes just sounds. He uses PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System) and has no problem getting his needs across. Hayden is a work in progress—he has many miles to go and mountains to climb. Hayden goes to school every day, he attends the Special Ed program at WARE Elementary School. Some of the therapy programs that Hayden receives are: Speech, Occupational Therapy & Psychology, and Ride with Pride (Horse Riding).
Hayden’s autism affects many parts of our daily life from eating meals, to grocery shopping, to going to church, to doctor visits, even to getting ready for work and school. Autism has made us stronger parents; we found our voices and are Hayden’s advocates for all aspects of his life from education to medical.
As a family, we will be participating in the Shenandoah 5K Run/Walk hosted by the Shenandoah Valley Autism Partnership. Last year our team—HAYDEN’S HEROES—contributed about $350 toward the $22,000 raised during the 2010 5K race/walk. Please consider contributing towards our goal of raising $1000 this year. The SVAP uses these funds to offer scholarships to families for resources and services, raise awareness of impact of autism in our community, and offer training for professionals & parents. The SVAP empowers, parents and their children on the autism spectrum to improve their quality of life.
As of tonight, we are about 2/3 of the way to our $1000 goal....yeah, Hayden's Heroes!
I have emailed request twice to one of our local newspapers to do an article during Autism awareness month...guess I'll add other names to my next email AND send it to the other newspaper as well.
Autism....Get involved with the Autism community. Don't underestimate the power of “community”. You may be the captain of your team, but you can't do everything yourself. (from Autism Speaks!)
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