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Autism Awareness


Presented by Sue Carlson, member of the DIM team:


Autism is recognized in April and yet this is a very quiet recognition. Maybe that is because Autism is a disability that is diagnosed on a spectrum with no case being the same, making it difficult to understand, to react or help as a neurotypical person.


The diagnosis can take years as the cases are numerous. It is recommended that the child is diagnosed starting at 15 months to age 3 through Seattle Children’s Autism Center by a team of specialists. This diagnosis can help parents get help or services to give the child the best start to their care.


Autism was sometimes confused by diagnoses of ADHD. Currently, those with symptoms may be diagnosed in a different way after 21 years of age. (See resource below)


There are three levels of Autism Spectrum Disorder:


Level 1 - Requiring support

  • Trouble understanding

  • Rigid or inflexible behavior

  • Some stress during transition

  • May benefit from therapy or life skills coaching


Level 2 - Requiring substantial support

  • Atypical social behavior, like walking away mid-conversation

  • High interest in a specific topic

  • Noticeable distress when faced with change

  • May need school accommodations like in reading or social skills


Level 3 - Requiring very substantial support

  • Severe communication deficits, or non-speaking

  • Repetitive behaviors such as rocking or spinning

  • Extreme distress when asked to switch tasks

  • May need 1-on-1 with education assistant and may need to use AAC tools to communicate

 

Autism is still a mystery as to its cause. Theories and myths so far are debunked or non-conclusive. These myths have caused stress for mothers who have been told they did something wrong in their pregnancy. Whether it is from a medication or some other genetic factor, the question today is really, how can we give the autistic person the respect and inclusion they deserve? 

 

Our education system tends to main-stream neurodiverse children with neurotypical children. Paraeducators can also be useful for those who need one on one instruction.


Another current therapy is Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) which uses more forced compliance for learning certain things. This may work for some children, but not for all, which can cause frustration for teachers, parents and the child.  Mostly used for Level 1 children and accepted by some insurance plans. I must state that the Autistic community opposes this therapy as it tends to mask autistic behavior and tries to “normalize” a child.  Critics argue that this causes severe distress, long-term trauma, and encourages harmful “masking” of their authentic selves.

 

A newer method for non-speakers has been used with success to support communication.  This method is called Spell2Communicate (S2C). I am familiar with this program as my 6-yr old grandson is in this program. As a non-speaker we saw quickly that he could learn to spell on an alphabet board and then progress to a spelling/talking app on our smartphone. This has reduced frustration and given him the power to ask for what food he wants and to even “sing” along with us by spelling the words.

 

Do you know someone with Autism Spectrum Disorder? 

Maybe you want to help in some capacity but don’t know how to react.  Do talk with the parents so you know how they respond to their child’s behavior and do some research on what to expect in their “normal” behavior.  Letting a child or even an adult know that they are loved is the best way to help.  Maybe you have to listen to a song 25 times or read the same story over and over.  Maybe you help with daily needs and keeping them safe.  Whatever, you do, know that the parents (sometimes exhausted) will appreciate your time.


Here at Trinity Lutheran Church and Schools our core value of inclusion gives an opportunity to welcome all people with neurodiverse challenges.

 

Scripture

"But Jesus said, 'Let the little children come to me and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.' And he laid his hands on them and went on his way." -- Matthew 19:14-15

 

Prayer

Loving God, you have given us children and adults that are not typical to our social norms.  I pray that you will give their caregivers the tools to help them care for their child or adult and to care for themselves. Grant them the wisdom to see the intelligence that shows forth in different ways. Give the scientists and doctors the help they need as they research new ways to bring out those gifts that are in neurodiverse children. And dear Lord, show us that neurotypical ways are a beacon of light in our lives.  We pray in the name of out loving savior Jesus, Amen.

 

Resources


Diagnosis in Children:

 

For Adults 21 years and older:


Book:


Documentary


 

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