Awareness, interview, and information on Autism.
*Updated
According to the Centers For Disease Control (CDC):
People with ASD may behave, communicate, interact, and learn in ways that are different from most other people. There is often nothing about how they look that sets them apart from other people. The abilities of people with ASD can vary significantly. For example, some people with ASD may have advanced conversation skills whereas others may be nonverbal. Some people with ASD need a lot of help in their daily lives; others can work and live with little to no support.
April is Autism Awareness Month, and a good friend of mine is a mother of a four-year-old who was diagnosed with autism. I asked her to share her thoughts on her journey. This is what she wished to share.
Jayme F. of Peekskill, NY.
"When I first found out I was going to be a mother, I was terrified! You never know what to expect, but you form these beautiful (yet highly unrealistic) fantasies about what your future will hold. When Karson was born, it was the happiest day of my life.
Around his first birthday, I noticed that he isn't where should be cognitively. He was not saying words, unable to grip objects properly, and what I noticed the most- not making eye contact. I tried to pass the signs of him being delayed as him just barely being one year old. It was extremely difficult for me to admit I needed help in understanding what was going on with my son.
I reached out to Early Childhood Intervention- support and educational system for young children with developmental disabilities. That was the best choice I've made by far. After extensive evaluations with doctors and therapists, Karson was diagnosed with (ASD) Autism Spectrum Disorder.
I cried for weeks wondering "What I could have done to cause this?", "Why does my baby have to go through life differently?", And how would I protect him in a world full of mean and hateful people?
Fast forward to today, Karson is four years old. He's counting, singing, and knows his colors and ABCs! We still have some difficulties communicating but I've learned his quirks. Most importantly, I realized it's not about teaching him the way I've learned or see things, but learning to see the world as he does. There is nothing wrong with my son, and there never was."
Statistics on Autism
- 1 in 44 (or 2.3%) of children in the US were identified with ASD using estimates from CDC’s Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network
- More than 5.4 million ADULTS in the U.S., or 2.2 percent of the U.S. population, are on the autism spectrum (CDC and Disability Scoop)
- Boys are four times more likely than girls, to be diagnosed with autism. Research suggests that girls may not show autism in the same way as boys, and might go undiagnosed because of that. Girls are more likely to camouflage or hide their symptoms. (CDC)
- Autism is the fastest-growing developmental disability in the world. (CDC)
- More than 5.4 million ADULTS in the U.S., or 2.2 percent of the U.S. population, are on the autism spectrum (CDC and Disability Scoop)
Reasons for the growing rate are factually unknown. There have been many theories such as blaming vaccines but that have not been proven whatsoever. I believe Jayme made a beautiful point not just for autism but for society as a whole. Seeing things from another perspective can open your eyes to other possibilities, especially with learning. I’m sure the way people are taught will change for the better. I remain hopeful!
Thank you, Jayme! Your story will inspire others with your insights. You are one of the strongest women I know, along with being a genuinely good and caring person and dear friend.
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