Autism Awareness Month - a parent's view

     April is Autism Awareness Month! Autism Sprectrum Disorder (ASD) refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by repetitive behaviors, lack of social skills, difficulty with speech and non-verbal communication. Autism affects 1 in 36 children in the US and boys are nearly 4 times more likely to be diagnosed. I would like to share my personal experience with autism.
     I have a 9-year-old son with Down Syndrome and always knew there was something else going on with him. Hunter had showed autistic mannerisms since a toddler but I thought it was attributed to Down Syndrome. Hunter was afraid of noises, even the low hum of an air conditioner would bother him. He'd rock back and forth, refused to wear any hats or noise cancelling earphones, didn't like certain textures, made throat noises, and began stimming. These behaviors seemed to peek at 5-6 years of age. In fact, I told his primary physician that it felt like stimming had taken over my son's life because he was stimming from the time he woke up until bedtime! That is when I was referred to a place that specialized in autism testing and therapy. 
    My son was officially diagnosed two years ago and I have learned a lot, yet there's still so much more to learn! Autism is a world all its own and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. We are currently on a waiting list for an ABA therapy program. I am appreciative of the specialists that make up Hunter's care team. He is on medication that has helped with some of his disruptive behaviors, and I am hopeful for the future! This does not happen overnight; it has been a trial-and-error process so try to keep an open mind if you are a caretaker.  
     I encourage any parent to connect with others in similar situations. I personally joined a few online dual-diagnosis groups on Facebook. It makes a difference to know that you are not alone as this road can be challenging. -Melisa Miller (Ohio P2P Supporter)