When a Loved One Has Autism-April 2008


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Back To Home Page April 2008 EAP Topic "When a Loved One Has Autism" When someone you love has autism, it is important to learn all you can about this developmental disability. Being educated on autism means learning about different treatment approaches and researching community services. Understanding Autism Autism is a complex developmental disability that is considered a neurological disorder. The condition affects the brain, causing social interaction and communication problems and making it hard for the person to relate to the outside world. An autistic person typically has difficulty interacting socially, communicating both verbally and non-verbally, and participating in play or leisure activities. People with autism often exhibit repeated body movements (e.g., rocking, neck bobbing) and sometimes behave aggressively and injure themselves. A disorder that affects more than 500,000 people in the United States, autism usually appears before age three, and is four times more common in boys than girls. Anyone can develop autism, regardless of racial, ethnic, or social background. While scientists are not exactly sure what causes autism, they are relatively certain that the cause is biological, and not psychological. Common Symptoms of Autism Include: Speech problems: no speech, non-speech vocalizations, delayed development of speech, echolalia (speech consisting of literally repeating something heard). Lack of interaction with other children. Social withdrawal: lack of response to people, treating other people as if they were inanimate objects, lack of eye contact. Unconventional behaviors: spinning, balancing (e.g. standing on a fence), walking on tiptoes, preoccupation with hands. Sensory sensitivity: extreme dislike of certain sounds, extreme dislike of touching certain textures, dislike of being touched, extreme dislike of certain foods. Passive-aggressive behavior: either extremely passive behavior or extremely nervous, active behavior and behavior that is aggressive to others and injurious to themselves. Preference for routines and repetition: repetitive behavior, desire to follow set patterns of behavior/interaction, desire to keep objects in a certain physical pattern. "Islets of competence:" areas where the child has normal or even advanced competence (e.g., drawing, arithmetic, music, memory skills). Seizures (up to 30 percent develop seizures during adolescence). Because the symptoms of autism are sometimes confused with mental retardation-an entirely different condition-it is important that the disorder be properly diagnosed by a professional who has experience working with autistic individuals. Treatment There is no definitive "cure" for autism, but there are different treatment methods that can improve symptoms and help manage the disorder. No one method has been shown to work well for every autistic person. Depending on your autistic loved one's degree of symptoms, his doctor may recommend one or more of the following treatment approaches: Biochemical: medication, food and vitamin supplements, treatment for food allergies (which can contribute to autistic symptoms). Neurosensory: training and stimulating of the senses, facilitated communication and speech therapy, and daily life therapy. Behavioral: behavior modification training. Part of treatment involves providing the right learning environment and educational opportunities. Autistics, like other people with developmental disabilities, have a right to government-funded special education services, which should be provided in your local community. With the help of specially trained teachers, autistic individuals can learn to function at home and in the community. These teachers commonly use specially structured programs that focus on individual instruction. Studies show that, with the proper instruction, all people who have autism can improve significantly. The Right Care Setting Today, many children with autism live with their parents. A comfortable, familiar home setting that is geared to his needs and accessible to the proper support resources and services could be the perfect environment for your autistic child. Growing up in a nourishing home with one's family may better prepare an autistic to live on his own someday, if possible. If you do choose to care for an autistic child or adult out of your home, take advantage of respite services, usually provided by government agencies, designed to occasionally relieve families of care giving responsibilities. Many families opt to place their autistic loved one in a special care facility or state-run institution. These settings, which are staffed by teachers and caregivers who have special experience caring for autistic people, can usually provide the best care possible for an autistic with severe symptoms. Family and friends may be allowed to visit any time and take their loved one on outings and overnights back home. Some adults with autism can learn to live independently, while others continue to live at home, in an assisted living facility, or in a fully dependent care institution or group home. Many autistics are able to learn vocational training and special skills that allow them to gain employment in the general work force or through sheltered workshop programs. Most autistics perform best in jobs that involve some degree of repetition and structure, such as painters, computer operators, assembly line workers, artists, piano tuners, and dishwashers. Caregiving Tips Try these suggestions when you are caring for or learning to cope with an autistic loved one's condition: Take one day at a time. Realize that each day is going to be different-filled with its own new set of challenges, as well as pleasant surprises. Prepare for the unexpected and try your best to anticipate upcoming needs, but try to avoid worrying about the future. Concentrate on the present and what you can do right now for your autistic loved one. Develop a normal routine. Aim for normalcy and consistency that can keep you and your loved one centered. Autistic individuals thrive on routines and repetitive activities. Find ways to communicate. One of the toughest autistic symptoms to cope with is the inability to communicate and speak properly. If your loved one is completely nonverbal, explore sign language and electronic communication devices as tools to communicate. Introduce him to the computer, email, and the Internet as a fun, constructive means of expression. Help him feel like a regular person. Engage in a variety of constructive activities such as playing games and puzzles, reading together, and watching a stimulating television program. Stay current with treatment. Talk regularly with your loved one's doctors and get educated about the latest treatment options. Ask as many questions as you can, and learn fully about his condition. The more you know, the more in control you will feel. Join a support group or become a member of an organization devoted to autism. Embrace emotions. Do not be afraid to express your feelings to your autistic loved one, your family members, and to yourself, as well. Adopt an approach toward others that works. Many people will not know how to react to your loved one's disability or interact with him. Their uncomfortable attitudes and inappropriate behaviors are often shaped by fears and misunderstandings. Think about how you want to deal with these responses and attitudes ahead of time, and try not to become preoccupied worrying about what others may think or say. Take care of yourself, and do not be afraid to ask for help. Arrange for relief that can be provided by relatives and friends or a professional. Get away occasionally to recharge your batteries and renew your energy level and enthusiasm. Autism Support Resources Contact these organizations for more information about autism: Autism Center Autism National Committee Autism Network International Autism Research Institute (619) 281-7165 Autism Society of America (ASA) (301) 657-0881 Center for the Study of Autism (503) 643-4121 MAAP (More Able Autistic People) (219) 662-1311 Society For The Autistically Handicapped ©2008 ComPsych^{® Corporation. All rights reserved. This information is for educational purposes only. It is always important to consult with the appropriate professional on financial, medical, legal, behavioral or other issues. As you read this information, it is your responsibility to make sure that the facts and ideas apply to your situation.} Contact us for more help with Autism. If you accessing site from the store EMAIL US or call 1(800) 688-6330 and will provide the information to you. Visits: