Sept/Oct In Pueblo Magazine by Joseph Brewster

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For advertise information call (719) 671-6030

For local coupons & event information visit www.inpueblo.com

For advertise information call (719) 671-6030

For local coupons & event information visit www.inpueblo.com

For advertise information call (719) 671-6030

For local coupons & event information visit www.inpueblo.com

Autism In Pueblo by Betty Nufer

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is the fastest growing developmental disability and is of epidemic proportions with 1 in 68 children being diagnosed annually. Just one year ago the rate was 1 in 88 children. Boys are five times more likely to be diagnosed with autism. Autism is a developmental disability that appears in the first three years of life and typically lasts throughout a person’s lifetime. Early intervention is critical and the outcomes can be dramatic if diagnosed early in a child’s life. A missed diagnosis is detrimental to the development of these children. According to Dr. Karen Colvin, Executive Director of Soaring Eagles Center for Autism in Pueblo West, there are leading indicators in the development of autism: • Genetics/chromosomal conditions • Children who have a sibling with autism • Prescription drugs such as valproic acid and thalidomide during pregnancy • Children born to older parents • Prematurity and very low birth weight These factors alone do not cause autism but combined with genetic risk factors there seems to be a moderate increase of autism. Autism Spectrum Disorders range from mild to extremely disabling. People with autism often have problems with social, emotional, behavioral and communication skills. The most important thing you can do as a parent is to learn the early signs of autism and to seek help from your medical 19

provider immediately. Here are some red flags for parents to watch for if autism is suspected: • • • • • • • • • •

Repetitive and ritualistic type behaviors Language delays/difficulty in expressing needs Laughing/crying for no apparent reason Prefers to be alone/resists changes Frequent tantrums/difficulty mixing with others May not want cuddling/has little to no eye contact Inappropriate attachment to objects Under/over sensitivities touch, sounds, smells, etc. No real fear of danger Not responsive to verbal cues, appears deaf

Autism Speaks has developed a great resource, “The 100 Day Tool Kit”, to help families during the first 100 days after a child’s diagnosis. It can be downloaded free at autismspeaks.org. It’s never easy to learn that your child or someone you love has autism. It can be extremely taxing, stressful and emotional for families. There is a natural grief cycle that occurs and it’s very important that parents don’t blame themselves. The best thing to do is to educate yourself about autism and seek the support of qualified professionals like those at Soaring

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Eagles Center for Autism in Pueblo West. In 2001, Dr. Karen Colvin and Nancy Barris, P.A. created the Soaring Eagles Center for Autism (SECA) to meet the needs of Pueblo County individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and to assist families and organizations serving these individuals. The founders discovered the need for such services in Pueblo County when their own sons were experiencing ASD symptoms and eventually were diagnosed with the disorder. The journey to obtain appropriate therapies and education both for their sons and themselves was long, confusing and difficult. At that time, the closest center for autism treatment was two hours away in Denver. Initially SECA, located in Pueblo West, was a support group of 12 parents seeking assistance for their children with ASD. Realizing the community need for intensive treatment services for children with autism, SECA began offering autism education programs for parents and teachers. Eventually, the Center expanded its programs to include teaching services. In June 2002, SECA began Pueblo County’s first extended school year program specifically designed for children with ASD. With the success of this first summer program and at the request of parents, SECA continued teaching services throughout the year. Soon, SECA’s overall mission was to increase the services to children and adults with autism and their families and to expand autism community education efforts throughout southern Colorado.

training is what distinguishes SECA. Many of our students have been expelled from regular daycare centers due to their behaviors. SECA’s staff is trained to de-escalate and redirect inappropriate behaviors. We do not dismiss children because of their behaviors; we work with them to see them through to a better way. Another major milestone for us is the purchase of our first building in May 2010. Our new facility has more than doubled our workspace and has enabled us to move forward into new projects. Our new facility is located at 125 W. Palmer Lake Drive, Pueblo West, CO and has over 5000 square feet to expand our services. Today, SECA is the only comprehensive autism center in Pueblo County and one of only two in Southern Colorado. SECA serves families, educators, school districts and medical facilities throughout the county with autism therapies and education. Last year, SECA worked with 80 clients directly, ranging in age from 18 months to 41 years of age. Thirty nine children attended the summer program this year. We also provided educational programming to roughly 200 parents and employees of school districts and community agencies. Autism is but a small part of who this person is. People with autism are precious and are gifted in their own unique ways. Early intervention is the best thing for a better quality of life. Soaring Eagles Center for Autism offers many programs and services. They also have a support group for families with children with autism and other developmental disabilities. For more information visit their website soaringeaglesautism.com or contact them at 719-547-8803.

Our most recent milestone is the approval by the Department of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) to begin providing additional disability services. In addition to our behavioral day programs SECA now offers Respite Care (in-home relief for caregivers) and a Community Connector Program (trained therapists attend community events with clients such as Scout meetings or church services). No other respite care providers in Pueblo County have staff trained to work with children with ASD. Our 20

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