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Michael Savage, a radio talk show host, made a fool of himself on air last week, claiming that autism is a fraud. He stated that in “99 percent of the cases, it’s a brat who hasn’t been told to cut the act out”. Is this man insane? It has taken me a few days to gather myself and write this article because I was so overwhelmed with anger.

Autism is a neuro-developmental medical condition that effects many. Some characteristics of autistm include language difficulties, self destructive and repetitive behaviors and sensory difficulties. I have been teaching preschool special education for four years now and I have already begun to see the numbers of children who display characteristics of autism increase. I am a strong advocate of early intervention and believe with all of my heart that these children need this program to learn coping strategies, communication and social skills.

Savage also stated that autism is due to a lack of parental discipline. It pains me to even type this. There has never been a moment in my teaching career that I have felt that these children are “brats” who have not been taught how to “act” appropriately. Never once have I felt as if it was the parents fault. Some of the best parents that I have ever met have been those of autistic children. Parenting an autistic child is an extremely challenging job. Many of you have spent sleepless nights researching autism, specialists who can help your child, resources in the area and parenting techniques. Some of you have even sold your house or drastically cut back on daily expenses in order to help your child. I am consistently amazed by your love, patience and determination. You have taught me so much and it is my hope that one day I will be just as an incredible parent as you are.

Many lashed out after Savage’s show aired. In fact, several Mississippi based talk radio shows owned by Telesouth Communications dropped his program. His remarks are being talked about and bashed in blogs, newspaper articles and talk shows. Savage came back to say that “too many people are being misdiagnosed and that the real cases need our sympathy and support”. It is possible that there are cases of misdiagnoses but he cannot take back the blame that he has placed on parents. His remarks were crude and out of line.  All of the children I have taught who have an eligibility of autism are autistic and have greatly benefited from early intervention.

I hope that all of you who have an autistic child feel supported and respected by the community and are benefiting from the available resources. You have made a difference in the autism community and more importantly in your child’s life.

Autism Society of America, Northern Virginia Chapter, ASA-NV

The ASA-NV offers a support group for parents who have children with autism. Topics include the rights of the family, recent research about autism and information about related disorders. ASA-NV also produces a monthly newsletter containing articles, personal experiences and information about upcoming meetings and seminars. Membership is $10.

Address:

98 N Washington St
Falls Church VA 22046
(703) 495-8444

Kymberly DeLoatche, Executive Director

Fax:
(703) 532-3214

E-Mail address:
asanv.ed@gmail.com

Website:
http://www.asanv.org/

Last week, my boyfriend approached me with what he said would be the perfect topic for a post on laurenwelle.com. He had read an article about autism in his favorite magazine, CPU, or Computer Power User. I know what you are thinking. Why in the world is there an article about autism in CPU? I opened the magazine and found an article titled “ZAC Gives Autistic Children Web Goodies”. It was finally starting to make sense. I quickly went online and read about this wonderful resource.

www.zacbrowser.com posts links that connect people to information regarding autism including research, facts and therapeutic approaches. Also provided is a forum for readers to share stories, real life experiences, offer advice, and discuss struggles and triumphs surrounding autism.

My favorite part of the site is the link to http://kidzcd.com, a web browser for kids. Children with autism and other related disorders can search the web in a safe and successful environment. Just download CD 1 for children ages 0-6 or CD 2 for children ages 7-12. The browser provides free web radio and TV, games, word processor and photo editor.

Be sure to check it out!

Characteristics of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder can appear in children before they are 7 years old. Typical characteristics include difficulty sitting still, problems paying attention and impulsivity. The cause is unknown although some researchers believe that people with AD/HD do not have enough neurotransmitters, chemicals that help the brain control behavior.

Based on these symptoms, three types of AD/HD have been found. The inattentive type includes those who can’t stay focused on a task. They have difficulty following instructions, finishing work, organizing tasks and have a habit of loosing things.

The hyperactive-impulsive child is one who seems to always be on the go. They are very impulsive and act before they think. These children have a hard time staying in their seat, playing quietly, and waiting their turn to talk.

Those with the combined type of AD/HD have problems paying attention, controlling their impulses and are hyperactive.

Tips for parents:

• Help build your child’s confidence. Praise them when they do something correctly, even if it is just staying seated for a short amount of time.

• Set clear expectations for your child. Let them know what they are expected to do and be clear about the repercussions are if they do not comply with the rules. Follow through with what you say. You can even set up a reward system. Every time your child does something right, they get to place a star on a chart. The frequency of the good behavior predicts the amount of stars the child needs to pick out a treat at the toy store.

• Talk to other parents who have children with AD/HD. This is a good source of emotional support.

• Eliminate distractions around the house when the child is completing a task. Keep the environment calm and quiet. Set a reasonable time for the child to stay in their seat and attend. The time can be increased as the child begins to improve their attendance.

• Give your child breaks. Tell them that in a set amount of time they get to go outside and run around or play. It is also helpful to set a timer so the child understands the end time.

• Check out this article for other great tips.

For more information, visit the Attention Deficit Disorder Association or Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.

Credit: National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities