| Coping
with Autistic Spectrum Disorders
"For
kids with Asperger's Syndrome, they must learn
social skills much in the same way as we would learn
to play the piano." |
Through tears
running down his face, Andrew tells his mom, "I can't
think when I'm angry, it is just like a big rocket blasting
off!" His mom's heart breaks for her child as he struggles
to make sense of the world around him. Andrew, like an
overwhelming number of children today, has Asperger's Syndrome, an autism spectrum disorder sometimes called High
Functioning Autism. According to the Surgeon General, Autism
is the most common of the pervasive developmental disorders (PDDs)
and is characterized by severely compromised ability to engage
in, and by a lack of interest in, social interactions. These
types of disorders come in many names and labels, all of them
with their own defining characteristics – yet most of them
presenting similar challenges and the need for a plethora of
therapies. Similar disorders include ADD, ADHD and Sensory
Integration Disorder.
According to the Autism Society of America, its prevalence
rate now places it as the third most common developmental
disability -- more common than Down's syndrome. Autism
Spectrum Disorder occurs in about 1 of every 500 births, four
times more often in boys than girls and knows no racial,
ethnic, social or geographical boundaries.
In Andrew's case, he looks and often appears like any
typical 9-year-old boy. His challenge with language and social
delays are often misinterpreted as disruptive behavior by
those around him, which only adds to his daily struggles. As
hard as he tries, the subtle social cues that come
instinctively to most children elude him. Making friends is
what he desires most and yet is the most difficult skill for
him to learn. The confusing daily interactions can often lead
to frustration and outbursts. For kids with Asperger's Syndrome, they must learn social skills much in the same way
as we would learn to play the piano. Therapies may include
teaching facial expressions and social cues to help them
navigate the world around them.
It
seems almost everyone knows someone who fights the daily
battle of seeing the world through such a filter. Programs and
support groups are springing up from schools, parents, doctors
and professionals. As the professionals continue to research
and look for answers, parents everywhere are getting together
in chat rooms, on group email lists, in homes and on the
telephone. The parents of these special children have had to
become advocates of education, nutrition and therapies.
Constantly educating themselves and searching for answers,
these parents can tell you what has worked for their children
and some can even tell you what they believe is the cause. By
coming together they find understanding and a sympathetic ear
as they work through the daily challenges of raising a special
child. As they seek answers for their kids, these parents and
their grassroots efforts are changing the face of how we feed
and educate our kids. The time has come, our kids are
requiring doctors, teachers, professionals and parents to
stand up and take notice of educational and nutritional
systems that are not working and they are helping us to define
the one's that do.
Many
Brevard
County
families have banded together to provide a safe haven for
their kids. Brevard Families Of Children with Autism Spectrum
Disorders (BFOCASD) offers playgroups, Girl's Night Out and
Guy's Night Out. They provide meetings with educational
speakers offering information on topics ranging from behavior
strategies, educational plans to nutrition. Among their dreams
for the future is a building with toys and equipment where the
kids can play without worrying about being disruptive, support
for siblings of afflicted kids to air their frustrations, as
well as summer camps and professionals to provide therapeutic
options.
Source:
Natural Awakenings Magazine
How can
you help? Purchase your ticket or volunteer to sell tickets
for the Grand Prize Raffle being held to support
BFOCASD & Hospice House. The winner will be announced at the Healthy
Living Expo.
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