Observing April as Autism Awareness Month

Mental Health America of Putnam County would like you to know that April is Autism Awareness Month.

Autism is one of a group of neurodevelopmental disorders known as pervasive developmental disorders (PDDs). These are characterized by problems with communication and social interaction.

Those affected often demonstrate restricted, repetitive and stereotyped behavior patterns or interests. While the outcome for the individual and his/her family may be improved with early intervention and treatment, it is considered to affect the individual throughout his/her lifespan. The Indiana Resource Center for Autism reports that this year’s identification rate for students enrolled in Indiana’s public schools during the 2017-18 school year is one in 69.

Debby Scott, Greencastle mother of Andrew, who is now a young adult, recently shared her experience of parenting an autistic son. She learned that her premature son was autistic when he was officially diagnosed at age 2 ½.

The biggest challenge she faced when Andrew was young was dealing with his atypical behaviors. She recalls that parenting Andrew felt as challenging as trying to raise a wild raccoon. In adolescence dealing with Andrew’s autism and the moodiness typical of hormonal changes teens experience while also helping him cope with a much more complex social setting than he could understand made it difficult for both him and his family.

Today Andrew is employed part time and is fortunate to have a Putnam County employer who is aware of his needs and adapts the workplace to maximize his strengths and accommodate for his difficulties.

Debby worries about Andrew’s lack of social connections outside of the family, his gullibility and inability to understand time and money. Andrew continues to need much more financial, social and emotional support than is typical of someone his age.

Debby found that communicating with other families affected by autism and having someone who could coordinate his services and provide information about available resources was essential for her when Andrew was growing up. Today those services are provided in part by the Autism Ally Program through the Autism Society of Indiana, a resource Debby wishes had been there for her family when Andrew was younger.

Debby wants families to know that it is important to cherish the times of humor in raising an autistic child. Caregivers need to take care of themselves and remember to take life one day at a time. Though the individual with autism requites a great deal of parental attention, remember that all family members need attention, too. Focus on the successes of your loved one on the autism spectrum. Above all, avoid blaming yourself for your child’s difficulties.

You can learn more about autism from the Autism Society of Indiana (www.inautism.org) and the Indiana Resource Center for Autism (www.iidc.indiana.edu/pages/irca) by exploring their websites.

For free mental wellness screenings and more information about mental wellness topics, visit the MHA’s national website at www.MHAscreening.org and Mental Health America of Putnam County Facebook page at fb.me/mhaopcindiana.