Too Little, Too Late
If we believe all we read and hear, most of us are abject failures and most of our friends with autism are doomed to a miserable life. According to many reliable websites, articles, and books, individuals with autism require early diagnosis and aggressive dietary and behavioral intervention. Assuming these sweeping viewpoints are applicable to all individuals with autism, what are our options if we have done too little too late?
or
continue reading
This paragraph from the Autism Spectrum Disorders Fact Sheet is from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It is just one example of the prevailing wisdom about autism. The CDC states: “Right now, the main research-based treatment for ASDs is intensive structured teaching of skills, often called behavioral intervention. It is very important to begin this intervention as early as possible in order to help your child reach his or her full potential. Acting early can make a real difference!” http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/actearly/autism.html
TOO LITTLE. What are our options if intense behavioral intervention is not available in our town? What can we do if families or therapists or teachers are not convinced of the value of one specific early intervention protocol? What if we cannot afford the newest services? Is there any hope?
TOO LATE. What are we to do if our youngster is already fifteen years old? Or fifty years old? At what point is it too late to do anything about autism?
I humbly submit the thoughts below based on my 35 years of experience with literally hundreds of toddlers, children, teens, adults, and older adults with autism, some of whom I’ve known for decades.
1. Relax. Although parents and professionals owe it to their friends with autism to stay informed, the most important factor in improving the quality of life of any individual is taking time to develop a personal connection.
2. Take purposeful steps. Listen and learn, then make a systematic plan for doing what you can to maximize the potential of your friend with autism. The key phrase here is “do what you can.”
3. Customize. Every single person with autism is different, making a single “magic pill” intervention impossible. Consider the specific needs of your friend with autism before jumping into a new program.
4. Never give up. I’ve seen senior citizens with autism who have never received any specific services respond to strategies and make great strides forward. Remember this: “It is never too late.”
5. Let it go. It is certainly counterproductive to waste precious time and energy on regrets over the past.
TIP FOR THE DAY. Take every opportunity to learn more about autism, including the latest cutting-edge research and state-of-the-art treatment. Then implement your own CSTP (Common-Sense Therapy Program.) It is practical, simple to implement, and FREE! More details coming in future podcasts.
NOTE TO READERS AND LISTENERS: I am Cathy Knoll, a board certified music therapist and long-time friend of many folks with autism. At FAQautism.com we are committed to providing free, practical, everyday tips for making life better for people with autism. Feel free to send me a confidential email at talk@FAQautism.com with your thoughts or challenging situations or innovative solution. And don’t forget to check out our website for a wealth of ideas and a glimpse into the world of autism. http://FAQautism.com
Automatically generated related posts:
- The Main Thing Without a doubt, there is a flood of information and...
- Different Worlds In my humble opinion, we will NEVER agree about all...
- Science of Autism Autism is complex. Each person diagnosed with autism is different,...
- Flood of Information “We just don’t know where to start on the flood...
- Emerging Language When he was three years old, my friend Tyler communicated...