Managing Autism - A Personal View

A whole day… and no hitting!!!

Wow, we can hardly believe it ourselves!!

After a couple of really productive appointments over the last week (with Jack’s speech pathologist and then with the counsellor from our State Autism Organisation) we feel like we are flying high today.

We have been working really hard on finding ideas and strategies to deal with Jack’s aggression (which stems from his anxiety) and over the last few days we have finally started to try some new things out.  We have also started Jack on a herbal tonic that is used to help calm and balance his moods (more about this at another time if we see some valuable results).

This week started with a couple of really difficult and challenging days (that left us feeling quite stressed out and worried), but we are so excited to report that yesterday Jack only had to be reminded about personal space once at school, and that today at home (and as far as we know at school) he has not physically hit out once!

Early days we know, and things will definitely be up and down… but for today we are celebrating… and giving heaps of praise (and Jack is proudly displaying his special stickers that he earned for his fantastic behaviour).

Hip Hip Hooray… no hitting today!

A few months ago, I had a question on the blog from someone wanting to know if I knew about Colour Therapy at all (in relation to autism).  I didn’t know much about Colour Therapy as such (I had heard of it) but have since looked into the idea of colour, and how it may effect people.

There has been research to show that colour can have quite an effect on our moods, emotions and behaviours.  And it is suggested that Colour Therapy can be used to help improve and balance your emotional state.  (You can even try self-help Colour Therapy!)

In my search to find out about Colour Therapy I discovered that colour can be used to co-ordinate the sides of the brain, and hence, it is used with autism, dyslexia and Aspergers Syndrome.

Jack’s favourite colour is red - and I have wondered if this is simply his personality shining through, or if it is simply a colour that he needs more of in his life.  I tend to think that he has a ‘red’ personality:

Red is a very physical colour.  Red signifies having excess energy, being somewhat ‘fiery’ and can involve aggression.  Red is a very stimulating colour, which is perhaps reflected in the ‘overstimulation’ he experiences.  A red person may be insensitive, impatient, and domineering.  But on a more positive note - red also signifies strength, will and courage, and is important for physical vitality.  Red is the colour of life, love, warmth and passion.  A red person may be enthusiastic, assertive, strong-willed, and self-motivated.

Mmm… perhaps this is why I like Green - all the ‘Red’ in the house needs to be balanced somehow!

Elissa

One of the challenges that parents might face in the initial stages of having their child diagnosed with autism is finding a doctor who really understands it.  There are a range of degrees of autism (hence the term Autism Spectrum Disorder) and no one case is likely to be the same.  Unless a doctor has had experience with autism, it will be unlikely that they will be able to help effectively diagnose and treat the condition.

Regardless if you, your family doctor, or your child’s pediatrician suspects autism, it is vital that your child be assessed by someone who specializes in diagnosing and treating autism spectrum disorders.  By seeking out specialist care you will ultimately be putting your child in the best position possible for a healthy future.  It also may mean that your child will require care from more than one medical professional who specializes in autism.

Some of the medical professionals making up the multidisciplinary specialist team for a child with autism would be; a psychologist, a speech or language therapist, an occupational therapist, a physical therapist, and a social worker.  Of course there are other specialists as well, and this list is often complemented by a range of natural therapists.

To find the right professionals to help with the care of your child it is important to ask for recommendations and do your research.  Make sure you check the experience and approach of the professional - the person needs to be right for you!  There are many resources and reputable organisations online that can assist with your search for specialists, as well as local community health groups, government departments and other health centres that can also point you in the right direction.  If your child is at school or preschool, ask the welfare officer or support team for some guidance - these people are often a wealth of knowledge and information!

Once you find the professionals your child needs, it is important that you work closely with them.  Regardless of the experience the professionals have with autism, you are the most experienced when it comes to the specific information regarding your child’s needs and abilities.

Some pointers to remember when working with your child’s doctors and specialists:

* Educate yourself – find out and learn as much as you can about autism.

* Prepare yourself - go to appointments ready with any questions or concerns you have regarding your child.

* Be open with communication – work in partnership with your doctor, and remember to pass on all relevant information.

* You can always get a second opinion!

Some great websites where you can find advice and support:

* Autism Spectrum Australia (www.aspect.org.au)

* Autism Info Australia (www.autisminfo.org.au)

* Autism Society of America (www.autism-society.org)

* Autism Treatment Services of Canada (www.autisim.ca)

* National Autistic Society (www.nas.org.uk)

I use the term ‘political’ because I much prefer to stay away from media hype, and heated opinionated discussion of topics, but I wanted to post what I have been ‘reflecting’ on today in relation to the world of autism.

My previous post related to Jack’s diet, and little did I think when I wrote it how closely related the topic was to that of the most recent heated discussion on autism.  As I wandered through blogs today, I began to reflect on all the discussion happening at the moment and my personal thoughts could pretty much be summed up as this:

People make choices according to what is right for them, and what may be right for some may not be for others.  However, personal choice is simply that. 

Steve and I love Jack unconditionally, and totally for who he is - and autism is part of that.  We would never want to change him, or take away his autistic qualities.  Autism is specifically a ‘developmental’ difference (the medical profession call it disorder of course), and so Jack will change as he grows up, but he will always have a developmental difference (again, part of who he is).

It’s interesting that I have been reading many opinions for and against diet being a cure for autism.  For me, the word cure doesn’t sit with developmental difference or disorder.  Development simply can’t be cured - it just changes over time and at different rates.  I personally see diet change as a path to easing symptoms of allergies.  It’s not a cure - it simply allows different experiences in some people who have shown to be allergic to certain types of foods.

Jack’s diet deserves much credit for some of his current life experiences.  However, it is no more an attempt at a cure than it is an attempt to make him someone who he is not.  But in terms of his aggression - yes that has settled, and his hyperactivity - yes that has settled, along with his severe outbreaks of excema.  Not cured, mind you!  But settled somewhat - yes.

I’m simply a mum who does what I can for my child.  Everyone makes their own choices, and I certainly make no judgement of that.  As I often say - I guess you take from things what you like.

Elissa

(the not normally political or opinionated mum - but then, what is normal?)