DAY 29 and 30: TREATMENT/INTERVENTION... One of the most challenging aspects when a child is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder is the lack of CLEAR, confident, effective treatment recommendations. Because autism is such a WIDE spectrum and the challenges are so varied among individuals, as well as SO MANY different issues that coincide with it... a doctor, psychologist, therapist, or school professionals do not often have a clear course of treatment to recommend AND are often unable to tell you what to expect. Its very different from other diagnoses where you may be told ok you have diabetes or asthma, so do this treatment, see these professionals, and this is what to expect, this is how to manage it and this is the effect it will have on your life. While the future cannot be predicted for almost ANYONE with ANY life changing issues or illness, with AUTISM it is so much more complicated. Doctors did not give us a clear course of action, a medication that treats the problem as in other diagnoses, or a specific treatment plan that is guaranteed to work... they referred us to speech and occupational therapy (which we had already started), they referred us to a support agency (which provides options and emotional support to some extent but doesnt tell you this is the course for YOUR child). Schools are focused on what they HAVE to provide to give a child a FREE and APPROPRIATE public education, not what is going to help your child to RECOVER, prosper, strive to overcome the vast challenges of autism. NOT any ONE treatment works the same way for every child with autism. Not every treatment available is right for every family. Parents are then given the challenge (or opportunity) to seek out MANY different options and figure out step by step what is right for their particular family, childs challenges, financial situation (dont even get me started on this one!), and their available resources (medical, educational, social, financial, schools, etc.) I know this is a LONG post and I appreciate those who have read them fully throughout the month. Please remember on this last day of Autism Awareness month to understand that ALL of our children require the same things that all children do... love, acceptance, kindness, understanding, BELIEF in their potential. It is not about the FACTS or rules or behavior or words that they speak, it is about helping them to share their beautiful selves from the inside out!! We have had so many professionals and interventions that have all played a role in Gavins steps towards recovery. I thank God and feel blessed every day that so many wonderful people continue to come into our lives. For us, the Son-Rise Program has been absolutely life-changing. The other incredibly helpful environment and community has been the combination of OLPH (our local Catholic elementary school due to the community of wonderful families, helpful and accepting teachers and support from administration) and their collaboration with our individual aides from Capable Kids. Jennifer Stein and Elizabeth Simmons have been rockstars and have helped Gavin grow leaps and bounds in school. Helpful agencies and supports along the way also include the CHIP program through St. Vs mercy, Toledo Hearing and Speech Center, Collingwood Center Adapted Aquatics, MSBG, and Gateway Preschool and Kindergarten. THANK YOU ALL so much!!!!
Posted on: Wed, 30 Apr 2014 14:51:33 +0000
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