Autism: A Review for Parents

In general, the book was a helpful tool for parents that have a child or children with Autism. It defined autism, and the spectrum of disorders that is now associated with it. The book also gives helpful insights into dealing with the child that has autism and everyday life. For instance it goes into teaching, disciplining, and other daily activities that are usually taken for granted in a family that has not faced autism. The book also focuses on the child's development, as well as parents' expectations of their child with autism. Children With Autism, A Parents' Guide also covers the hurdles parents and children face, as well as their legal rights and advocacy.

"Autism is a physical disorder of the brain that causes a lifelong disability." (pg 3) Although there are varying degrees in different children, there are six symptoms of autism that are similar in each child. These symptoms are:

1. Failure to develop normal socialization (pg 4)

- Children with autism tend to do things on their own. Their social skills are not usually those of a child that is considered "normal."

2. Disturbances in speech, language and communication (pg 4)

- "Approximately 40% of children with autism do not speak at all." (pg 4)

- Some children with autism repeat things that are said. This is called echolalia.

- People may be offended or unsure of children with autism because their voice may be loud or pitchy at times due to lack of control.

3. Abnormal relationships to objects and events (pg 5)

- A child with autism "needs predictability and routine", or a "need for sameness," (pg 6) or they may become upset.

- Some children may need to have a toy or picture in a certain place all the time, and if it is moved, the child may have a tantrum. Why this is, no one knows.

4. Abnormal responses to sensory stimulation (pg 6)

- Children with autism may over or under-react to certain stimuli. A child may not have fear of situations that they should, and could harm themselves. In contrast, a child could taste a food that is soft and mushy and have a tantrum because they do not like the taste or feel of it either on their tongue or fingers.

5. Developmental delays and differences (pg 8)

- Children with autism can experience the same developmental growth as other children, and then suddenly stop or regress.

- Some children may be able to read words that are far above where they should be developmentally, and have no comprehension of their meaning.

6. Begins during infancy or childhood (pg 8)

- Although many parents find their child is autistic before 2 years old, in some cases the diagnosis may not be made until later.

"The condition we call 'autism' is really one of a set of five closely related conditions.' (pg 9) The all are covered by the term Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD). The conditions that fall under PDD are called Spectrum Disorders. The five conditions are:

1. Autistic Disorder

2. Asperger's Disorder

3. Rett's Disorder

4. Childhood Disintegrative Disorder (CDD)

5. Pervasive Developmental Disorder: Not otherwise Specified (PDD:NOS)

They all share three symptoms, which are:

- impaired social interaction (pg 10)

- impaired communication (pg 10)

- characteristic behavior patterns (pg 10)

As noted before, the daily life of a child with autism should be structured so as to keep the child from becoming unfocused and or cause tantrums. Disciplining a child with autism is not the same as a child without autism. However some techniques are the same. For instance, instead of focusing just on the bad behavior, rewarding children with positive feedback while they are being good can encourage a child to recognize the cause and effect of their behavior.

Although the parent needs to have routine and structure for their child with autism, the parent also needs to recognize their needs too. The parent definitely needs to be there for their child, but if the parents do not take time for themselves to recoup their strength, and have adult time, then their stress level and patience can suffer, and in turn their child suffers.

Children with or without autism develop in a variety of ways. A child with autism has a right to an education under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) established in 1975. "IDEA requires also states to begin special education services at the age of three." (pg 219) It also requires the child to have an IEP, which is an Individualized Education Program. It includes:

- The child's present level of development in all areas

- The child's developmental strengths & needs

- short and annual goals of the child's special education program

- specific educational services the child will receive

- date services start and expected duration

- standards for determining whether goals of program are being met

- extent to which the child will participate in regular education programs

- any behavior intervention programs that will enable the child to participate in regular education classrooms without impeding other students' learning

- parental concerns

*this is found on pg 219

A child with autism best resource is their parent. Advocacy for their child is the best way to ensure they are getting what they need, and also to provide the parents with others that are going through the same things they are. to know they are not alone. The Autism Society of America (ASA) is an organization that "advocates on behalf of people with autism and their families."

This book has given me some more insight into PDD and Autism. At first I thought autism was a chromosomal problem, like Down's Syndrome, but came to learn that it is a disorder of the brain. The book has helped me learn to interact in certain ways with a child that I know that has autism. It helps me to better understand his world, when he decides to let me in. After reading, I no longer feel like he doesn't like me. I now understand that I may not even be noticed by him and that is very humbling. However, after learning some techniques, I was able to successfully play with him one on one for about twenty minutes, and it has meant the world to me.

*Side Note : 7/9/07

Shortly after I wrote this, the child I referred to turned 3. Four months later he died in an accidental drowning in his family pool. We are all left with the memories and the image of his smiling face. We all are left with a deeper resolve to find a cure for autism. If you, or anyone you know is affected by Autism, please join in the fight to cure it.

The first link is to the Walk for Autism website. The second is to a web page that was created as a memorial to the child that passed away.

Autism Speaks - Walk for Autism Research: :

www.wemissjaden.com

Bibliography

Powers, Michael D. Psy.D.; Children With Autism A Parents' Guide;Woodbine House 2000