AU T I S M
Q&A [ BRANDED CONTENT ]
q: a:
I’m concerned that my toddler may be autistic. What should be my first step to help determine this?
raising teen twins (continued) While school may be hard for Edward and Hannah, academics are not the problem. In fact both are in honors classes. Dugan says what’s hard for her children is the energy they spend coping with their disorder and trying to understand what other kids are talking about. For instance, Hannah gets annoyed with girls in her chemistry class who gossip while doing their work. She tries to keep up with the conversation, but rarely understands the social nuances of their chit chat. What she really wants is for them to focus on their work so everyone’s job will be easier. It’s exhausting and by the day’s end she needs a break. Dugan likens her twins’ experience of life to perpetually being at a cocktail party where they don’t know anyone and aren’t privy to the topics being discussed. It’s anxiety ridden and when put in that context, who wouldn’t agree?
We know that parents who suspect their child may have autism are often confused and scared. Our best advice is to schedule a diagnosis
evaluation as soon as possible, so parents can get a proper diagnosis and start
For this reason, their family spends most weekends and evenings at home. The twins just simply need downtime so they can spend their energy coping with school.
making decisions from the perspective of “knowing” instead of “suspecting.” — Jerry Modlik, M.D.,The Applied Behavior Center for Autism
q: a:
Like many parents Dugan worries if her children will be okay without her.
There seem to be so many different types of therapy. How do I know which is the right one for my child? Applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy has the best track record of
“I think most parents want to believe their child will go on. That’s a big scary thing for a parent of a kid with autism. You have days you think they are okay and days you wonder if they are going to make it when you’re not around. As bright as some of these kids are, some have real struggles with things like self-help skills,” she said.
scientifically demonstrating effective treatments for autism. By collecting
data and tracking each child's progress, the therapists and behavior analysts can confirm the effectiveness of the treatment. — Jerry Modlik, M.D., The Applied Behavior Center for Autism
q: a:
down the road
What kind of support is available to me as the parent of an autistic child? I have a child with autism, and I understand the importance of early diagnosis and being able to surround yourself and your family with the
right support and additional therapy that is necessary. Our Center staff is an extension of your family. We also offer monthly support groups to connect you with other parents going through similar situations. Additionally, we can provide you with specific support that may be needed for you within the community since we partner
In the near term, Dugan wants the twins to go to college, even graduate school. Academically she knows they are capable, but is less confident in their abilities to live in dorms. Maybe they will tackle college first, then see if they can live on their own. One thing at a time.
a mother’s hope Whatever their future, Dugan hopes for real change in the way people view individuals with autism. “I know we are blessed that our kids have cognitive ability and language. But many people think autism is savant-like or the kids hardly speak. The truth is somewhere in between and the reality is your child is not a Rainman movie character or profoundly disabled. These children grow up and we mothers see the social disconnect of a world that says it tolerates diversity, but not on autistic terms,” said Dugan.
with so many organizations. Once your child is diagnosed, it is so important to find high-quality treatment for your child and the whole family. — Jane Grimes, Enrollment Director, The Applied Behavior Center for Autism
36 INDYSCHILD.COM
As parents like Dugan speak out, hope is palpable for more tolerance and understanding of kids like Edward and Hannah.