HELP FOR CHILDREN WITH AUTISM

Dr. Aaron Skalicky

Autism Impacts the Fort Collins Community

Only a decade ago autism was believed to affect less than 1 in 1000 children. Now that more parents, health care professionals and educators are aware of Autism's broad spectrum and early signs, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that approximately 1 in 110 children are diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. This translates to roughly 400 to 500 children in Larimer County.

If Autism does not impact your family directly, statistics suggest that you are likely to encounter a child with Autism in your neighborhood or at your child's school. Take a moment to educate yourself about the Autism spectrum by visiting a reputable source, such as this short video produced by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. An informed community is best equipped to offer friendship to children on the Autism spectrum and to advocate for appropriate educational and health care services.

Trust Your Parental Instincts

Since early intervention has proven value, parents should be mindful of Autism's early signs. This is particularly important if there is a family history of Autism or language delay. Some of the common signs include: Limited interaction with caregivers, problems expressing needs, difficulty transitioning from one task to another, echoing what others say, repeating actions over and over, and reacting strongly to the way things smell, taste, look, feel, or sound. If you are unsure whether a problem exists, consider it an opportunity to learn more about your child's overall development.

Schedule Evaluation with a Qualified Professional

Do not allow lingering questions about your child's development to go unanswered. If you observe possible signs of Autism, make an appointment for a comprehensive neuro-developmental evaluation. A thorough examination will answer questions about Autism, and indicate whether other developmental needs should be addressed.

Successful Treatment Involves Teamwork

When a child is diagnosed with Autism or developmental delay it is wise to begin interventions as soon as possible. Since difficulties tend to involve several related areas, such as communication, learning, sensory-motor skills, and behavior, effective treatment requires specialists to work together. The American Academy of Pediatrics recently published an article in support of this multi-disciplinary approach. Parents in our Fort Collins community should insist that their child's therapists and educators work as a team.

Children on the Autism Spectrum Learn and Develop

Some children on the Autism spectrum are effectively non-verbal when they reach school age. Others with higher-functioning autism or Asperger's Disorder may have a larger vocabulary than most of their peers, yet struggle to comprehend information that is abstract or implied. It is critical that educators respond to each child's need by using appropriate communication techniques. Some children on the Autism spectrum learn best when they receive support within a mainstream classroom. Others need a setting structured around an intensive language and behavior program. In most cases, educational objectives for a child on the spectrum will encompass both functional skills, such as communication and social behavior, and academic learning. These objectives are recorded within an Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) and monitored by the child's case manager. Parents can play an important role in their child's educational plan by attending school meetings and asking questions.

Children with Autism Experience Love and Affection

If only more people could see the relationships that develop between children with Autism spectrum symptoms and their families. This is one of the joys of working in a developmental clinic. In order to see the bond, however, one can't be limited by the images of "relationship" that instinctively come to mind. Often the behaviors we associate with affection, such as a spontaneous hug or kiss, do not give children on the Autism spectrum a pleasant sensation. While it is normal for parents of children on the spectrum to experience frustration when bonding does not occur in the typical way, other means are eventually found to experience emotional connection. Soothing interactions may involve rocking with the child, listening to music, engaging the child with a favorite activity, playing together with a pet, or applying deep pressure to a part of the child's body.

Dr. Skalicky is a licensed psychologist and clinic director at NeuroDevelopment Center of Colorado in Fort Collins. The NeuroDevelopment Center provides comprehensive diagnostic services for suspected Autism spectrum disorder (including the ADOS instrument) as well as behavioral and educational therapies.