New Website Helps Dispel Autism-related Fears, Mysteries

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New Website Helps Dispel Autism-related Fears, Mysteries

2011-03-09 / Health

Autism, because of the broad range of possible outcomes, presents more question

marks, more uncertainty about the future

A diagnosis of autism carries a far greater emotional punch than one might

expect from a non-fatal condition that often responds well to therapy and

adaptive services.

“Fear of the unknown has a lot to do with that,” said Alice Antilley of the

Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS). “Autism, because of

the broad range of possible outcomes, presents more question marks, more

uncertainty about the future.”

DADS new Texas Autism Research & Resource Center website (www.tarrc.org)

provides answers to many of the questions asked by parents with newly-diagnosed

children. It helps families cope with the uncertainties of autism by plugging

them into some of the best information and resources available on screening and

diagnosis, childhood development, special education, networking, and research.

Another useful feature is the site’s description of Texas’ statewide service

system, including state agencies, school districts, local MR authorities,

non-profit groups and more.

Antilley, the Center coordinator and parent to a 16 year old with autism, said

the website not only provides clarity but conveys a sense of urgency that prompt

action is crucial. “Research is showing that intensive intervention at a very

early age can make a big difference in outcomes. We’re talking about significant

improvements in IQ and less support needed in school and life.”

Antilley, whose own son has progressed well with the help of therapies and

assistance in the classroom, recommends that parents use the website’s wealth of

information as a foundation of knowledge for working with doctors, teachers and

therapists.

According to Antilley, “One of the most troubling things about autism is that it

often shows up in a child who’s developed pretty normally for one or two years,

then begins to regress.”

Classic autism symptoms such as lack of eye contact, loner tendencies, tantrums,

obsessive behaviors and language difficulties may not be recognized for what

they are in a very young child. “And when regression is involved, some parents

have to reach the point of admitting to themselves, ‘I no longer recognize my

own child’ before they seek professional help,” Antilley said.

Once a child is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, treatments such as

applied behavior analysis, speech and occupational therapy, combined with

special education services, often lead to positive outcomes.

Individual circumstances and realism are important too, Antilley cautioned.

“Unfortunately, even the best therapy and services don’t always make a

significant difference if the condition is very severe. Many people with autism

spectrum disorder are able to live independently, have jobs, get married, and

enjoy pretty normal lives as adults. Others will be cared for all their lives

and struggle to develop relationships with people.”

Despite the uncertainties that still surround autism, Antilley stressed that

families affected by the condition owe it to themselves to take advantage of the

knowledge and services that do exist. And the Texas Autism Research & Resource

Center website is a great place to start.

The depth and credibility of resources on the website are backed by a statewide

consortium of experts from more than 30 colleges, universities, medical centers,

non profit organizations and state agencies.