This is part of a month-long look at the Autism Spectrum in honor of Autism Awareness Month.
The general public has all kinds of views and ideas when the word "autism" is brought up. In fact, anyone who has ever spent time with more than one child with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnosis can attest to the fact that the affects this disorder has are widely varying and unique to every person. This is why it is a "spectrum" diagnosis – depending on where a person falls on the continuum, he or she will suffer from different symptoms and have difficulties (both mild and severe) in various areas of functioning.
Autism is a brain disorder, which is why it is so hard to pin down specifics. The brain is a mysterious thing that scientists are only at the very tip of understanding, even with today's advances.
So where to start? How to begin to understand something so obscure and yet prevalent in today's society?
As the mother of a child with an ASD, I can tell you that the first line of defense is knowledge, and the second line of defense is support. This is true whether you are dealing with your own child who has been diagnosed, are simply wondering if your child could be on the spectrum, or are someone trying to find a way to support a friend or relative with a child with an ASD.
Lisa Jo Rudy over at About.com has an incredibly in-depth web site chock full of information and links for learning about all aspects of Autism. This is a good place to begin wrapping your mind around the disorder.
Check back here at Special Needs Bliss all month long for information, news, and views on Autism Spectrum Disorders.
photo by Mykl Roventine
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I have a grandson who we think is autistic, and I believe that my daughter really believes it too. But she won't talk about it. He's almost three years old, and I feel we need to work out a game plan as to how to respond to people that ask about him. I know it hurts her to discuss it, but she can't hide it from the world, and she can't get angry when people ask about him. I feel for her, and him.
I'm sorry you are going through this. It's a lot to wrap your mind around at first. My son was diagnosed at 2.5 years old. He turns six next week.
My biggest piece of advice for anyone who either believes their child is on the spectrum or actually has a diagnosis is this: early intervention makes all the difference in the world. I cannot emphasize that enough.
There is a small window of opportunity while a child's brain is still developing during which all of those neurological pathways can still be "taught," so to speak, to operate differently. Once that window closes, you cannot get that precious time back.
When my son was diagnosed, he only said a few words, no sentences, and mostly screamed to communicate. He was diagnosed and began receiving therapies and has accomplished amazing things (and still is). He's now in the regular kindergarten classroom with only a few concessions. None of it would have been possible without early intervention.
I spent the first nine months after my son's diagnosis in denial. He was receiving the help he needed, but I barely talked about it. But once I embraced it, everyone around me did also. People are amazing when they are taking their cues from you.
The more you open up and bring people into his world who can help him, the more progress your grandson will make. There are tons of people out there who have been where your daughter is right now. She will be amazed at how far her son can go once he begins receiving therapies that will benefit him. And you will learn as much as he does about how things affect him and how best to deal with it. It's a learning process for all involved!
I hope that I have helped or at least encouraged you! Hang in there. It's a tough road, but not one that can be avoided or one that will go away. What's best for your grandson is for you all to look it straight in the eye and take it on.