While wanting to reduce the number of behavioral interruptions and outbursts, the family also wanted to increase the number of opportunities John had to engage in fulfilling and enriching activities. The Anne Carlsen Center began providing In-Home Supports on a regular basis. The Center helps John participate in meaningful activities, communicate more effectively, learn safety skills, understand how to make choices, develop social skills, and advocate for himself. During the summer months, an ACC Life Skills Assistant (LSA) provides nearly 40 hours of support each week to John and his family. During the school months, the LSA works with John for about 2-3 days a month. According to Danielle Remmick, an ACC Family Resource Coordinator. “His experiences, overall, on how to spend free time were pretty limited. Our staff has helped broaden his choices for activities.” John and his LSA shoot baskets, jump on the trampoline, go to the park and playground, go shopping, and—for a special treat—go to the Dairy Queen. The LSA works with John to enhance his understanding of safety—crossing the street properly, being careful around strangers, and staying close to family and/or staff in busy areas. The LSA also helps reinforce the learning he is doing in school with activities like math worksheets and puzzles. “We appreciate how there are many different options within the Center’s Community Services program,” says Paula. “They are extremely accommodating.” The Withuskis, both dentists, own a dental practice, and—in addition to John—have three other sons: Michael (16), Thomas (8) and Andrew (5). For this busy family, the Center’s individualized and flexible services have been critical. Personality Revealed “With John, there isn’t a lot of verbal activity because the feelings of the moment overtake his ability to formulate speech,” says Remmick. “We are working on helping him understand and communicate his feelings and emotions.” John now has an emotion cue card with pictorial representations of emotions, helping him communicate to others how he is feeling. He also has these cue cards on his iPod touch. Staff and his family have noticed a reduction in his frustrations and aggressive behaviors, as he uses these tools to communicate his needs and have more control over his daily life.
John’s family is thrilled to see their son’s true personality shine through. “John is a fun kid,” says Paula. “He jokes around in his own way.” And while he doesn’t like singing, humming or crowds, there are plenty of things John does enjoy. “He loves animated films, skiing, ice skating, snowmobiling, Roller Coasters and water parks,” says Jeffrey. Anne Carlsen Center staff members have also been touched by John’s abilities and personality. “He is smart and fun to be around. Years ahead, I don’t see many limits for him,” says Remmick. “With the right training and support, he has a bright future. He could live on his own someday, perhaps in an apartment with limited residential support. Paid employment opportunities are likely, too. Each day, John makes improvements with his social connectivity, communication and eye contact. “It’s been pretty smooth sailing for the last 1½ years, since the Anne Carlsen Center got involved with our family,” says Jeffrey. “When it comes to expertise in working with individuals with autism, ACC has a tremendous amount of knowledge.” Like other parents of individuals on the autism spectrum, Paula and Jeffrey have faced their share of challenges, including the incomprehension and insensitivity of people unfamiliar with their situation. “We have gotten dirty looks at restaurants,” says Paula. “We wish people would just realize that there may be more to it than a kid being naughty.” While they recognize that there is growing awareness about autism spectrum disorders, the Withuskis hope people will take the time to gain a thorough understanding of these developmental disabilities. “We want people to become more educated about what it is about, and how to interact with those living with it,” says Jeffrey. And they want John to continue to learn and grow, reaching his full potential. “We want to see him become self-sufficient, with guidance,” says Jeffrey. “We can see him performing a job of some kind. And, someday, I’d like him to be able to go fishing with me. Most of all, we want our son to be happy.”
THE AMBASSADOR 11