This is a special guest blog by a good friend who has a son diagnosed with Autism. She has agreed to share her story:
When I was asked me to write something about having a son with autism, I agreed, though, now its hard putting into words what I need to express. My son, Ralphie, was 3 when he was diagnosed with Autism. The reason we had him evaluated that he wasn't speaking. If he wanted something he "grunted!" I think the words will haunt my mind forever: The doctor just sitting there, saying those words, like he was stating the weather. He showed NO emotion. The thoughts that ran through my mind.."MY SON..MY ONLY SON".
Let me go back a minute: When I found out I was pregnant, with a boy..I was beyond thrilled!! A son..I always dreamed of having a son, now that dream was coming true!! The doctor that diagnosed Ralphie, told us (in the flattest tone), that "our boy was never going to be normal..never walk right, never talk, forget all the "normal" things"!! Can you imagine??? I couldn't either!
I can't begin, to tell you, the amount of money (thank GOD for insurance), and the time we spent taking Ralphie to therapist, after therapist, after therapist!! Now, don't get me wrong, I am not complaining about it. I praise those therapists, for all they gave Ralphie A CHANCE...
For me..the day that Ralphie looked-up at me, and called me..MOM..was...How do explain to anyone what it was like? Tears still stream down my face when I recall this. My baby boy, who never would talk, said the doctor, called me MOM!!
We had to fight the school system to get Ralphie the education he needed. They wanted to just "throw" him in Special Education. To clap his hands and sing songs. Come on, is that for real? He needed to be part of the classes, and learn just as other "normal" children learned!!
Needless to say we got what Ralphie needed. Yes, he had a parent pro go with him to many of his classes. And yes, he did go to Special Education, classes when he needed it.
Today my baby boy, 17, is a man. He is in the 10th grade and is doing great on his own!!! He walks, and talks just like the other kids, and at times even needs to be told to shut-up. Not one person can explain to me, what "normal" is - Ralphie may not do all the "normal" things a 17 year old does, but that does not make him "not normal"?
People talk of finding a "cure". IF there was a "pill, or cure", for Autism, WOULD I NOT LOOSE THE RALPHIE THAT IS HERE IN FRONT OF ME???? Not all "cures" are solutions. .People want to "cure" autism, cause they cant "deal" with what was dealt them. GOD gave us these children for a reason..what that reason is, I'M not sure, but, when I look at Ralphie I see "normal". With all the things that I've seen in this world, Ralphie is as "NORMAL", as they come!
I will always wonder if it was my fault that Ralphie turned out this way. Not a single person can change my mind on this one thing: I will only say I was BLESSED with what I have!
Showing posts with label Autism. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Autism. Show all posts
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Sunday, April 17, 2011
What every parent needs to know about Autism Part 2
This is Part 2 of a 4 part series spotlighting National Autism Awareness Month
Autism is one of the five Pervasive Developmental Disorder, which is in a group of Disorders that are referred to as Disorders Usually Diagnosed in Infancy, Childhood, and Adolescence listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, (DSM-IV). Autism is normally diagnosed in childhood, and early detection and intervention are an important key to a favorable prognosis.
If you have met one child with Autism, you have met one child with Autism.
Autism can appear very different in each child. In spite of the stereotypical portrayal of individuals with Autism in the popular media (Rain Man), each person is just that, a person. In working with children and adults with Autism and other Intellectual and Developmental Disorders, I have learned the importance of what is called "person-first" language. For example, saying "that autistic girl", one would say "my neighbor Sally likes to watch movies, and she has Autism". In this way, a diagnosis of Autism, or anything else (i.e. Schizophrenia, Depression) does not define the person. After all, you would not say "My Republican neighbor" or "My black haired neighbor" because these are simply characteristics of those people and do not define their identity.
Some common issues that are present in most individuals with Autism are difficulties with communication, social skills, and restricted interests and repetitive patterns of behavior. The Autism Speaks website features a Video Glossary that is designed to provide professionals and families with video representations of children of varying ages, both typically developing and with Autism. This Glossary helps depict early red flags and diagnostic features of Autism. The Glossary can be found at the following link:
http://www.autismspeaks.org/video/glossary.php
Co-Occurring Disorders
Estimates are that up to 75% of those with Autism also have Intellectual Disabilities. In addition to Intellectual Disabilities, those with Autism are often faced with co-occurring depression, OCD, anxiety and trauma. These are often untreated and can contribute to difficulties in social and work settings. Individuals with Autism and other disabilities are also at great risk for abuse and neglect.
Treatment and intevention: initial issues
It is important that treatment have the following characteristics:
1) Treatment needs to begin early. As soon as you believe your child may have delays in any area, see a pediatrician or developmental psychologist immediately. The sooner intervention can begin, the better;
2) Treatment needs to be a team approach. Family, teachers, psychologists, and other professionals (occupational therapist, speech therapist, physical therapist, etc), need to be involved in developing a strong and comprehensive plan to address each area of need, and to build upon your child's strengths and talents;
3) Parents should educate themselves about advocacy, and how you can obtain all services and support that your child needs;
4) In home support, as well as support in school, should take a comprehensive approach that provides consistency and develops skills.
Part 3 of this series will focus on transitional issues into adulthood, and will outline concerns specific to individuals with Autism in adulthood throughout the lifespan. Part 4 will be a special guest blog by a parent of a young man with Autism.
If you have a child that you suspect has Autism, do not wait to get help. Early intervention is a key.
ASK A PSYCHOLOGIST!
Autism is one of the five Pervasive Developmental Disorder, which is in a group of Disorders that are referred to as Disorders Usually Diagnosed in Infancy, Childhood, and Adolescence listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, (DSM-IV). Autism is normally diagnosed in childhood, and early detection and intervention are an important key to a favorable prognosis.
If you have met one child with Autism, you have met one child with Autism.
Autism can appear very different in each child. In spite of the stereotypical portrayal of individuals with Autism in the popular media (Rain Man), each person is just that, a person. In working with children and adults with Autism and other Intellectual and Developmental Disorders, I have learned the importance of what is called "person-first" language. For example, saying "that autistic girl", one would say "my neighbor Sally likes to watch movies, and she has Autism". In this way, a diagnosis of Autism, or anything else (i.e. Schizophrenia, Depression) does not define the person. After all, you would not say "My Republican neighbor" or "My black haired neighbor" because these are simply characteristics of those people and do not define their identity.
Some common issues that are present in most individuals with Autism are difficulties with communication, social skills, and restricted interests and repetitive patterns of behavior. The Autism Speaks website features a Video Glossary that is designed to provide professionals and families with video representations of children of varying ages, both typically developing and with Autism. This Glossary helps depict early red flags and diagnostic features of Autism. The Glossary can be found at the following link:
http://www.autismspeaks.org/video/glossary.php
Co-Occurring Disorders
Estimates are that up to 75% of those with Autism also have Intellectual Disabilities. In addition to Intellectual Disabilities, those with Autism are often faced with co-occurring depression, OCD, anxiety and trauma. These are often untreated and can contribute to difficulties in social and work settings. Individuals with Autism and other disabilities are also at great risk for abuse and neglect.
Treatment and intevention: initial issues
It is important that treatment have the following characteristics:
1) Treatment needs to begin early. As soon as you believe your child may have delays in any area, see a pediatrician or developmental psychologist immediately. The sooner intervention can begin, the better;
2) Treatment needs to be a team approach. Family, teachers, psychologists, and other professionals (occupational therapist, speech therapist, physical therapist, etc), need to be involved in developing a strong and comprehensive plan to address each area of need, and to build upon your child's strengths and talents;
3) Parents should educate themselves about advocacy, and how you can obtain all services and support that your child needs;
4) In home support, as well as support in school, should take a comprehensive approach that provides consistency and develops skills.
Part 3 of this series will focus on transitional issues into adulthood, and will outline concerns specific to individuals with Autism in adulthood throughout the lifespan. Part 4 will be a special guest blog by a parent of a young man with Autism.
If you have a child that you suspect has Autism, do not wait to get help. Early intervention is a key.
ASK A PSYCHOLOGIST!
Monday, April 11, 2011
What every parent needs to know about Autism
This is part of a 4 part series about Autism.
The Backstory
On May 21, 1991, I embarked on what would become a lifelong passion and journey that changed my life in more ways that I can ever explain. For sure, it pointed the way for the rest of my career: This was the date that I first began working at The Devereux Kanner Center, in West Chester, PA. As a psychology major, I needed to complete a Field Experience for a course in Human Development. As I walked through the Sykes Union Center, I happened upon a job fair, where is met a woman who was at a table with applications. “What is this Devereux place?” I asked. At that time, I never planned to work with adults with Autism and other Intellectual Disabilities, which is generally the way all the best things in life come: unexpected and unplanned.
What is Autism?
Autism is a developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life. It is a neurological disorder that affects the normal development and of the brain. The major areas affected are social and communication skills. Autism is one of 5 Pervasive Developmental Disorders (Autism, Asperger’s Disorder, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, Rhett’s Disorder and Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Not Otherwise Specified).
While experts do not know the specific cause of autism, research suggests that it is a genetic disorder. What we DO KNOW is that autism is not caused by parenting style, nor is it caused by childhood vaccines. Research findings on the causes of autism have yielded inconsistent findings, but it is clear that there are a variety of abnormalities in the structure and chemicals in the brain.
Prevalence of Autism
Autism is found in all racial, social, ethnic, economic and geographic group. It knows no boundaries and can affect any family. The most recent statistics were reported by the CDC and state that Autism affects 1 in 110 children and 1 in 70 boys.
The most recent statistic are believed to be a dramatic under representation of the real statistics due to those who are not receiving services, have been misdiagnosed or were never formally diagnosed. In 2005, there were a total of 19,862 individuals who are diagnosed with Autism. At that time, it was estimated that there would be 25,000 in 2010. The following map depicts the prevalence by county:
What should parents look out for?
About half of all parents of children with Autism note that their child’s behaviors are unusual by approximately a year and a half. 80% are aware by 24 months. Research has shown that early intervention is a key component of a good prognosis, and the earlier, the better. If you see any of the following symptoms, see a psychologist as soon as possible:
3 - 4 mos old with no eye contact
12 months old with no babbling
12 months old with no pointing or waving goodbye
16 months old with no single words
24 months old with no two-word phrases
ANY loss of language skills or social skills, at ANY age
The next blog will include symptoms and behaviors associated with Autism. If you suspect someone you know has Autism, or your child is displaying any delays, ASK A PSYCHOLOGIST!
The Backstory
On May 21, 1991, I embarked on what would become a lifelong passion and journey that changed my life in more ways that I can ever explain. For sure, it pointed the way for the rest of my career: This was the date that I first began working at The Devereux Kanner Center, in West Chester, PA. As a psychology major, I needed to complete a Field Experience for a course in Human Development. As I walked through the Sykes Union Center, I happened upon a job fair, where is met a woman who was at a table with applications. “What is this Devereux place?” I asked. At that time, I never planned to work with adults with Autism and other Intellectual Disabilities, which is generally the way all the best things in life come: unexpected and unplanned.
What is Autism?
Autism is a developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life. It is a neurological disorder that affects the normal development and of the brain. The major areas affected are social and communication skills. Autism is one of 5 Pervasive Developmental Disorders (Autism, Asperger’s Disorder, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, Rhett’s Disorder and Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Not Otherwise Specified).
While experts do not know the specific cause of autism, research suggests that it is a genetic disorder. What we DO KNOW is that autism is not caused by parenting style, nor is it caused by childhood vaccines. Research findings on the causes of autism have yielded inconsistent findings, but it is clear that there are a variety of abnormalities in the structure and chemicals in the brain.
Prevalence of Autism
Autism is found in all racial, social, ethnic, economic and geographic group. It knows no boundaries and can affect any family. The most recent statistics were reported by the CDC and state that Autism affects 1 in 110 children and 1 in 70 boys.
The most recent statistic are believed to be a dramatic under representation of the real statistics due to those who are not receiving services, have been misdiagnosed or were never formally diagnosed. In 2005, there were a total of 19,862 individuals who are diagnosed with Autism. At that time, it was estimated that there would be 25,000 in 2010. The following map depicts the prevalence by county:
What should parents look out for?
About half of all parents of children with Autism note that their child’s behaviors are unusual by approximately a year and a half. 80% are aware by 24 months. Research has shown that early intervention is a key component of a good prognosis, and the earlier, the better. If you see any of the following symptoms, see a psychologist as soon as possible:
3 - 4 mos old with no eye contact
12 months old with no babbling
12 months old with no pointing or waving goodbye
16 months old with no single words
24 months old with no two-word phrases
ANY loss of language skills or social skills, at ANY age
The next blog will include symptoms and behaviors associated with Autism. If you suspect someone you know has Autism, or your child is displaying any delays, ASK A PSYCHOLOGIST!
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Counseling Corner Extra: Do Vaccines Cause Autism?
There has been a great debate in the media about the belief that childhood vaccines cause autism. Dr. Andrew Wakefield completed research that was later found to have fatal flaws. To date, there is no concrete proof that vaccines are the cause of autism. To read more about this issue, click here.
http://kidshealth.org/parent/medical/brain/autism_studies.html#cat20029
http://kidshealth.org/parent/medical/brain/autism_studies.html#cat20029
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Celebrity Rehab, Intervention, Hoarders and Obsessed: Media brings light to mental health disorders
So, is that the way is REALLY is? This is a common question people ask when discussing these increasingly popular reality shows. Over the last several years, mental health disorders have been in the spotlight in television shows like Celebrity Rehab, Intervention, Hoarders and Obsessed. But is their portrayal of these disorders accurate?
Yes. And no. Mental illness and mental health disorders are complex, and are never that cut and dried. The facts are sobering (pun intended) and the reality is that, according to statistic from the National Institutes of Mental Health (NIMH), 26.2 percent of adults aged 18 and older suffer from a diagnosable mental health disorder in a given year. That's more than 1 in 4. 57.7 million people. Staggering. Preventable? Maybe. Treatable? Definitely.
Approximately 6 percent of those suffer from what is called a "serious mental illness". And, nearly half of those diagnosed with one mental health disorder, are diagnosed with 2 or more. Mental disorders are the number 1 cause of disability in the United States.
Some of the most common disorders are Mood Disorders (Depression, Bipolar Disorder), Anxiety Disorders (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Social Anxiety and Phobia, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder), Disorders in Childhood (Autism, Aspergers), Eating Disorders (Anorexia, Bulimia, Binge Eating Disorder), as well as Schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders.
So, is the way that television portrays these disorders accurate? In a very generalized way, the individuals featured on these shows represent the extreme examples of the mental health disorders. Are there actually people who hoard items to the point that they cannot move in their homes? Sure. But more than likely, most patients have a combination of symptoms and a lesser form of hoarding.
When should you get help for a mental health disorder? If your symptoms are interfering with your normal daily routine, you are missing work, or your happiness is compromised, it is time to seek assistance. There are many very effective, research based, time limited treatments for many disorders, and finding an experienced and skilled psychologist is important in recovery. A psychologist is a professional who is most likely a doctor, and has specialized training and extensive experience in diagnosis, assessment and treatment of most common mental health disorders.
Do I need medication? Maybe, but not necessarily. Most mental health disorders respond quite well to therapy with a skilled psychologist. Some people have an imbalance in their chemical makeup, and require medication while they are developing skills to manage their symptoms. Psychologists will assess the need for referral to a psychiatrist. The fact is, that the majority of people receive anti-depressants, anti-anxiety medications, and stimulants for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) from their primary care physician. A psychiatrist is an important part of any medication plan and should communicate regularly with the psychologist.
Where to turn? Several sources list outpatient providers of psychological and psychiatric services. Check with the provider to see if they accept insurance or for payment structures. Clink on one of the links below to find a licensed psychologist.
http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/index.aspx
http://web.memberclicks.com/mc/prelogin.do;jsessionid=9C5178BA07C75DFB7B7266E65D58477F.mc1
http://www.findapsychologist.org/
For more information about mental health disorders see the website of the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) (http://www.nimh.nih.gov/index.shtml) or the website of the Pennsylvania Psychological Association (http://www.papsy.org/).
Or, for more information ASK ME!! You don't have to suffer alone....
Yes. And no. Mental illness and mental health disorders are complex, and are never that cut and dried. The facts are sobering (pun intended) and the reality is that, according to statistic from the National Institutes of Mental Health (NIMH), 26.2 percent of adults aged 18 and older suffer from a diagnosable mental health disorder in a given year. That's more than 1 in 4. 57.7 million people. Staggering. Preventable? Maybe. Treatable? Definitely.
Approximately 6 percent of those suffer from what is called a "serious mental illness". And, nearly half of those diagnosed with one mental health disorder, are diagnosed with 2 or more. Mental disorders are the number 1 cause of disability in the United States.
Some of the most common disorders are Mood Disorders (Depression, Bipolar Disorder), Anxiety Disorders (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Social Anxiety and Phobia, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder), Disorders in Childhood (Autism, Aspergers), Eating Disorders (Anorexia, Bulimia, Binge Eating Disorder), as well as Schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders.
So, is the way that television portrays these disorders accurate? In a very generalized way, the individuals featured on these shows represent the extreme examples of the mental health disorders. Are there actually people who hoard items to the point that they cannot move in their homes? Sure. But more than likely, most patients have a combination of symptoms and a lesser form of hoarding.
When should you get help for a mental health disorder? If your symptoms are interfering with your normal daily routine, you are missing work, or your happiness is compromised, it is time to seek assistance. There are many very effective, research based, time limited treatments for many disorders, and finding an experienced and skilled psychologist is important in recovery. A psychologist is a professional who is most likely a doctor, and has specialized training and extensive experience in diagnosis, assessment and treatment of most common mental health disorders.
Do I need medication? Maybe, but not necessarily. Most mental health disorders respond quite well to therapy with a skilled psychologist. Some people have an imbalance in their chemical makeup, and require medication while they are developing skills to manage their symptoms. Psychologists will assess the need for referral to a psychiatrist. The fact is, that the majority of people receive anti-depressants, anti-anxiety medications, and stimulants for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) from their primary care physician. A psychiatrist is an important part of any medication plan and should communicate regularly with the psychologist.
Where to turn? Several sources list outpatient providers of psychological and psychiatric services. Check with the provider to see if they accept insurance or for payment structures. Clink on one of the links below to find a licensed psychologist.
http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/index.aspx
http://web.memberclicks.com/mc/prelogin.do;jsessionid=9C5178BA07C75DFB7B7266E65D58477F.mc1
http://www.findapsychologist.org/
For more information about mental health disorders see the website of the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) (http://www.nimh.nih.gov/index.shtml) or the website of the Pennsylvania Psychological Association (http://www.papsy.org/).
Or, for more information ASK ME!! You don't have to suffer alone....
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