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By Giancarlo Casem
50th Public Affairs Detachment
Autism Spectrum Disorder is a debilitating illness that affects a child's developmental skills. ASD refers to a group of developmental disabilities that affects how a person perceives situations and communication.
"Some symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder include uneven gross-line motor skills, inappropriate laughing or giggling, no fear of real dangers, difficulty interacting with others, resists changes in routine, indicates needs by gestures, spins objects, inappropriate attachments to objects, sustained odd play, may prefer to be alone and may avoid eye contact," said Jackie Pfuntner, Autism Society of Cumberland County, director of Programs and Outreach.
According to the Center for Disease Control, ASD is the fastest growing developmental disability affecting 1 of 150 births. It is the second most common developmental disability and is more common than childhood cancer, cystic fibrosis and multiple sclerosis combined. There are five developmental disorders that fall under ASD: classic Autism, Asperger's Syndrome, Rett Syndrome, Pervasive Developmental Disorder and Childhood Disintegrative Disorder. Some Autistic children grow up and become valuable contributing members of society. Child psychologists may be able to diagnose a child with Autism as early as six months to 3-years-old. The earlier an Autistic child is diagnosed, the more effective treatments can be in their development. However, Autistic children and their parents will have to cope with the symptoms for the rest of their lives.
"A few challenges that parents may experience are an inability to redirect negative behaviors and a lack of understanding from extended family members, lack of services and an inability to communicate with a child with Autism," Pfuntner said.
These inherent challenges maybe augmented when a parent is deployed.
"Due to the fact that Autism has an impact on communication, social interaction, and behaviors, the challenges on parents during a time of deployment will greatly increase often times," Pfuntner said. "The individuals with Autism will often begin experiencing more negative behaviors because they may not be able to understand why the parent is suddenly gone. Also, they may have difficulty expressing themselves therefore leaving all of their emotions bottled up inside thus causing them to exhibit more negative behaviors."
An Autistic child warrants special attention, however, when a parent or both parents are away, the child may not receive that same treatment from other support channels. For Sgt. Maj. Eduardo Terrazas and his 14-year-old Autistic son, school and everyday activities have been a challenge during his deployment.
"My deployment is affecting him with his school assignments and some other activities around the house," said Terrazas, the 165th Quartermaster Group operations petroleum sergeant major. "The biggest challenge is not being there for him when he needs to talk to me and assisting him at the time when he needs me."
Terrazas' son was diagnosed when he was 4-years-old, but he has been able to cope with the challenges.
"As a parent, having an Autistic child has been challenging, but I have been able to cope with it by taking special classes and training concerning his disability," Terrazas said. "There are programs out there to help you understand how to work with them and to assist you in how to cope in the most difficult times."
There is no cure for Autism, but fortunately for Terrazas and other service members like him with Autistic family members, there is an extensive network of organizations across the country that help alleviate some of the challenges and issues they might face.
"There are numerous non-controversial therapies, such as speech therapy, occupational therapy and applied behavior analysis that are available for individuals with Autism that may increase their ability to communicate and express themselves," Pfuntner said.
Tricare covers all three therapies mentioned if the primary care manager gives a referral, Pfuntner said.
"At the moment, the military is not involved with him in anyway," Terrazas said. "He is actually being seen by a therapist on a weekly basis plus the school is also helping him by assisting him with a special program."
Groups like the Autism Society offer a way for parents to get in contact with health care professionals as well as other parents of Autistic children.
"Take advantage of other parents who have children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, find a local support group or meeting," Pfuntner said.
As a parent with an Autistic child and a Soldier, Terrazas had tips for others like him.
"In most cases they will not ask you for assistance, but with your involvement, they will be able to see that you will always be there for them," he said. "Also, the Internet is a great source of information; it tells you what to look for and how to help them. Use every opportunity and source out there to help you learn about what Autism is all about. This is very important for you and your family."
| Date Taken: | 05.08.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 05.08.2008 12:28 |
| Story ID: | 19222 |
| Location: |
| Web Views: | 217 |
| Downloads: | 118 |
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