Early Diagnosis and Therapy Offer Hope for Those with Autism

Autism is defined by the Mayo Clinic as one of a group of serious developmental problems called autism spectrum disorders that appear in early childhood, usually before age three. Though symptoms and severity vary, all autism disorders affect a child’s ability to communicate and interact with others. While there is no cure for autism, intensive treatment early in development can make a big difference in the lives of children with the disorder.

Kathryn Davis of Fort Wayne, is the mother of two teenage sons with autism. She experiences both the challenges and successes of raising her sons. As with typically developing children, Davis tries to maintain routine and continuity in her home in order to guide her sons. She stresses that general parenting techniques can also be the most effective in raising children with autism.

“When they know what to expect, things go a lot smoother,” Davis says. “Also, not unlike any other child, being willing to patiently teach is important. I have to teach the same thing quite a few times. When you can’t pick up on social cues, others’ emotions or facial expressions, understanding and surviving in the world can be difficult. Having patience and being willing to repeat direction calmly and lovingly have made a big difference.”

Davis has worked with the Children’s Autism Center in Fort Wayne in order to provide support and therapy for her sons who were diagnosed at ages seven and six. Professionals from the center answered her questions and educated her about her sons’ behaviors as well as what techniques could be used to help them. Organizations such as the Autism Society of Indiana, About Special Kids (ASK) and Easter Seals ARC of Northeast Indiana can also be invaluable when seeking support and education.

Both of Davis’ sons received applied behavior analysis therapy (ABA) at the Children’s Autism Center, which she credits as key to their progress. ABA is a data-driven, scientifically-validated method of changing behavior. That, along with other approaches such as speech therapy, can help people with autism improve communication. 

“ABA, guided by a board-certified behavior analyst, is an effective way of teaching any child, and has been found to be particularly effective with children with autism,” says Jill Forte, MS, executive director of the Children’s Autism Center and a behavior analyst.

Danielle Pelz, clinical director and vice president of the Fort Wayne Autism Center, describes ABA therapy as an opportunity to manipulate environmental variables to create change in socially significant behaviors. In other words, ABA uses positive reinforcement, a technique parents throughout time have used to help children adapt and grow.

“What is not always understood about ABA is that, while it is extremely effective with children with autism, this is not the only population whose behavior is under the control of the environment,” Pelz says. “Everyone’s behavior follows the principles of ABA. We all act in ways that will allow us to contact reinforcement and avoid punishment.”

Pelz links those misconceptions about ABA to other misconceptions regarding autism: that people with autism are somehow robotic or rigidly unable to change or respond to motivation. The diagnosis, however, is referred to as a spectrum disorder for a reason, because there is a broad range of successes and challenges or likes and dislikes that any other person might express.

While misunderstanding still exists, mainstreaming has helped decrease negative or ignorant perceptions of the disorder. With the passing of the Americans with Disabilities in Education Act (ADEA) more than three decades ago, people with autism have succeeded in school and beyond.

Davis’ sons thrived at both Covington Elementary and Woodside Middle schools with the support of both special education and mainstream teachers, and participate in typical age appropriate activities with their peers. 

“One of the most important successes that we’ve had is how the boys are able to teach other children that it’s OK to be different,” Davis says. “They have many neurotypical friends who are wonderful and patient, and the boys aren’t afraid to brag that they’re ‘lucky to have special computers in their brains’ that let them see things differently.”

Pelz agrees that autism awareness over the last 10 years has grown substantially, with resources and services following closely behind. But there is still progress to be made. The need for services for adults with autism, mandated in the same way ADEA required children to be supported in school, will come to the national forefront as those diagnosed continue to reach adulthood. But for now, the difference is hope.

“A diagnosis of autism is no longer a hopeless fate families must accept,” Pelz says. “Treatments can dramatically increase the quality of life for individuals and allow them to reach their fullest potential. I have even had the opportunity to see children, with the right therapy at a young age, become indistinguishable from their peers. There is always hope.”

For more information about Children’s Autism Center or the Fort Wayne Autism Center, visit www.childrensautismcenter.org and www.fwautismcenter.com, respectively. Also, a helpful resource for those affected by autism is the Autism Resource Network of Indiana.