Autism and Hope: Find How You Can Help An Autistic Child
Posted: Tuesday, September 15, 2009
by Steve Kovacs
The Kovacs Perspective
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.
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
- 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.
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Top-level comments on this article: (4 total)Great article. Well done.I know someone with Autism and I found that there is a Knack with them. Once you get to know them and they get to know you it is possible to see way past it.Plus, I have an admiration to parents who put huge amounts of time bringing these children up. It tells you a lot about a person.Thanks Connor and I agree with both of your comments especially your second one!
hi steve,luckily, we have progressed to being able to help these children live more productive and happy lives. at one time, they were trapped inside their own bodies, with no way out, and no way to let us know what they were feeling. that must be a terrible place to be.thanks for sharing this,my best regards,sueGreat observation!!!! Yes, things have changed and are much better for these kids. Thanks for writing Sue.
Hey Steve,Mary Johnson here, as you know I work with autistic children everyday. It is a challenge, but I found that as long as you develop a trusting relationship with an autistic child you can't go wrong. I also learned that repetition with things such as learning, extracurricular activites, and even the meals they consume really helps' them cope with everyday life. Tahnk you for sharing this educational information on autistic children. It really reached me on an personal level.Hi Mary,Interesting that if you develop a trusting relationship with an autistic child, you can't go wrong. I hope people who deal with these individuals read your words. Your words on repetion are great too--thanks Mary.
Some people believe that autism is mental retardation. But that is far from the truth. Many autistic people are highly intelligent and talented but cannot express themselves normally. The fact is they are socially retarded. I can relate to this because I proudly admit I have Aspberger syndrome. It is frustrating to have a high iq but not be able to fit readily into society. I do it with writing and singing. Many people think my crazy behavior is the comedy part of my act. It's ok with me because I often think of the audience as a whole person and through my life that person has been my best friend. Thankfully, now I have grown and have had many people who have helped me. I will advise people who are associated with autism to work hard with any talent, like Rain Man, be patient, find and control abnormalities, and have a sense of humor. You'll need it.Hi Mike and thanks for writing about your personal journey and advice--there can't be any better advice than yours!
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