Creating awareness of autism and its treatments (WHO) |
You've probably heard about autism, the developmental disability affecting one in every 150 kids. The complex neurological disorder affects people in different ways, usually how they communicate and interact socially.
Doctors don't know what causes it and there is no known cure. Four-year-old Jordan Russo was diagnosed with Autism when he was a year and a half.
His mom, Alayna Damerville, says he's come a long way since then. She says he is now sounding out words and using signs to let people know what he needs. She says her son is making progress everyday, thanks to a lot of hard work, "He's in therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy. Also, he has Homestead program, they come four days a week to the house."
Jordan spends about thirty hours a week in school and in therapy, not counting the attention they give him at home. Damerville says, "All the time. Every day. Seven days a week."
Damerville says you notice the difference when he looks at you. "He makes more eye contact. He used to, wouldn't even look at you. You were furniture in the room, and now he recognizes that you're a person. And, he acknowledges you. He'll tell you hi. He'll tell you bye."
He even says something Damerville waited years to hear. She says, "First time he said mom he was four. I about cried. I think I did cry actually." She goes on to say, "You feel like you're doing so much work and you don't see all the benefits from it. But, then little amounts come out all the time and then you see it and it's a payoff."
National awareness group Autism Speaks says parents should learn the signs of Autism. Talk to your child's doctor if they aren't smiling or showing joyful expressions by six months, not babbling by a year, not saying words by sixteen months, or any loss of speech or social skills at any age. Experts say you should talk to your child's doctor if you have any concerns because early intervention is key.
April is National Autism Awareness Month. According to the Autism Society of America, autism is a complex developmental disability that affects a person's ability to communicate and interact with others.1.5 million Americans are living with the effects of autism spectrum disorder. For more information about autism, contact the Autism Society of America.
Doctors don't know what causes it and there is no known cure. Four-year-old Jordan Russo was diagnosed with Autism when he was a year and a half.
His mom, Alayna Damerville, says he's come a long way since then. She says he is now sounding out words and using signs to let people know what he needs. She says her son is making progress everyday, thanks to a lot of hard work, "He's in therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy. Also, he has Homestead program, they come four days a week to the house."
Jordan spends about thirty hours a week in school and in therapy, not counting the attention they give him at home. Damerville says, "All the time. Every day. Seven days a week."
Damerville says you notice the difference when he looks at you. "He makes more eye contact. He used to, wouldn't even look at you. You were furniture in the room, and now he recognizes that you're a person. And, he acknowledges you. He'll tell you hi. He'll tell you bye."
He even says something Damerville waited years to hear. She says, "First time he said mom he was four. I about cried. I think I did cry actually." She goes on to say, "You feel like you're doing so much work and you don't see all the benefits from it. But, then little amounts come out all the time and then you see it and it's a payoff."
National awareness group Autism Speaks says parents should learn the signs of Autism. Talk to your child's doctor if they aren't smiling or showing joyful expressions by six months, not babbling by a year, not saying words by sixteen months, or any loss of speech or social skills at any age. Experts say you should talk to your child's doctor if you have any concerns because early intervention is key.
April is National Autism Awareness Month. According to the Autism Society of America, autism is a complex developmental disability that affects a person's ability to communicate and interact with others.1.5 million Americans are living with the effects of autism spectrum disorder. For more information about autism, contact the Autism Society of America.
