By Jeanne Beard (Mother of two sons with special needs, Autism expert, & Founder of National Autism Academy)
Does the word AUTISM make you shudder?
Newest statistics from the Center for Disease Control in the U.S. sites 1:59 children being diagnosed with autism today! Mothers often know intuitively that something is going on, but they can’t pinpoint how their child is different. If somewhere in your gut you think that there is something “different” about your child and it might be autism, don’t panic!
Autism is a very workable diagnosis. Children with autism are not sick, mentally ill, or retarded. For the most part, they are just like everyone else, with one exception. Individuals on the autism spectrum process information differently than those who are not on the spectrum. Granted this difference in neurological processing can influence many areas of life, and in many ways, but understanding and appropriate training will go a long way toward leveling the playing field for individuals who have autism and their families.
Autism is a social disability. The neurological difficulties that arise in response to the sensory hypersensitivity impair the person’s ability to be functional in our social environment. Things like ordering a pizza, driving a car, or going to the bank can become overwhelming to those with autism who have not had proper support and education. They have nothing to do with the individual’s character, personality, or willingness, yet very often autistic people are judged by their way of handling life as if those were choices that they made, and not a legitimate result of their disability. This is what perpetuates the general public’s negative stigma that still makes the word “autism” synonymous with difficulty in life. With quality education for those around them, and the proper training and support, there is so much hope for individuals on the autism spectrum to lead full, happy and functional lives.
Here’s what I share with parents I coach when they suspect their child has autism. Don’t panic and don’t listen to the negative feedback of others. If you suspect that your child may have ASD, here are a few questions that might help you determine if you could be dealing with autism:
- Does your child have sensory hypersensitivity?
- Does your child have a history of difficulty in life?
- Does your child have friends and a social life?
- Are your traditional parenting techniques failing to change behavior?
If you answered yes to one or some of these questions, it’s worth investigating. Autism is very manageable, and the sooner you begin to take steps to help your child, the less negative impact the autism will have on their lives. The number one contributor to a child’s success is the parent and how much they understand about the autism, so educate yourself to work effectively with your child at home, helping them to develop their strengths and mitigate their challenges. With the proper parent training most children on the autism spectrum can lead very full and satisfying lives. Find an expert with experience in autism, don’t assume any therapist can diagnose or treat an individual on the spectrum. Don’t wait until later, do something now! The earlier you begin to work with your child to help them understand how their neurology works and how to manage their behavior, the less your child will struggle in life!
ABOUT JEANNE BEARD:
Jeanne Beard, founder of the National Autism Academy and author of “Autism & The Rest Of Us”, has decades of experience in the trenches with Asperger’s Syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorders, and the people diagnosed with them. In addition to her essential life experience creating functional, nurturing, and balanced relationships with those on the spectrum, Jeanne was mentored by clinical expert Timothy Wahlberg, PhD during the writing of his clinical guide “Finding the Gray: Understanding and Thriving in the Black and White World of Autism and Asperger’s.” Through her incredible insight into the thoughts, experiences, and challenges of those on the spectrum AND of the rest of us, Jeanne builds a bridge to hope and a better future for us all.
For More Information Visit: https://nationalautismacademy.com
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