WHEN AUTISM HITS HOME


Patrick was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) over a year ago.  He was three years old, rarely talked, and had frequent meltdowns.  His parents immediately enrolled him in speech and behavioral therapy. Patrick is now in his second year of a preschool program, which provides individualized treatment while integrating children into regular classrooms. Patrick has made significant progress in the past 18 months. While the tests by therapists at school last year revealed that he had mild autism, a comprehensive evaluation by a specialist in Houston a year ago confirmed it.  A recent report by the educators revealed that he is now performing tasks at his age level and will be in regular kindergarten next year.  The educators are no longer confident that Patrick is autistic.

We all want the same for those we dearly love.  We wish perfect lives for them with happy endings.  We understand that life doesn't always work that way when we've lived a few decades.  Learning that he has autism was challenging, but I had suspected it for some time.  With degrees in rehabilitation science and psychology and a subsequent career in both fields, I knew something was amiss.  Even with my professional background, I shed more than a few tears about what autism might mean for my beloved and beautiful grandson. I have known many children and quite a few adults on the spectrum.  Some individuals with autism will require support for the rest of their lives, while many lead independent lives and have successful careers.

Approximately 1 in 58 children is autistic.  Boys are significantly more likely to be on the spectrum than girls. The disorder is a group of complex neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by repetitive behavior patterns with difficulties in social communication and interaction and varies significantly in children and adults. Patrick is a beautiful boy and displays a few stereotypical behaviors seen in individuals with autism. His outbursts have greatly lessened as his speech has improved. His ability to put train tracks together in seconds and add numerous train cars is a sight to behold. When Patrick is on a mission to misbehave, the mischievous glint in his eyes betrays him every time.  He now talks incessantly about various subjects and is full of joy.

There is no cure for autism, although about 1 in 10 will not show any symptoms later in life.  Early intervention is vital in treating autism. Scientists have long surmised that genetics and environment play a role in children with ASD.  Neither vaccinations nor parents cause autism. Scientists theorize that low birth weight and children born to older parents might play a role.  While Patrick was full-term at birth and weighed six pounds, his mother was age 35, and his father was 42.  Recent research has identified 500 active susceptibility genes as contributing to ASD.

Each one of us is so much more than labels or diagnoses. We celebrate with every progressive step, no matter how big or small. Patrick is a delightful child who brings us immeasurable happiness to us.  While he might have autism, it doesn't define him or change how much we adore him. If I hear the phrase "that autistic kid," I will have to educate them, even though my impulse would be to "educate" them physically.  One might say that I'm fiercely protective of those I love.

Patrick is not defined by his diagnosis. We will give him what he needs, although he will only get some of what he wants.  None of us do.  More importantly, he will never wonder if he's loved. Patrick has frequently told me "I love you" in the past six months as he wraps his body around me.  No sweeter words have ever been spoken. 





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