Autism Awareness

(Editors Note: This article is a first hand basis on a reporters first hand experience with Autism)

Autism is a genetic brain disorder that causes a child's learning ability to decelerate. The causes of the disorder are yet to be defined; the only stable facts known are that its caused genetically, transmitted through family members. Many individuals are unaware of the syndrome and its effects, others, are keeping the silence of their child's disorder. It is time to build an awareness in order to seek treatment and assist those in need.

According to the Autism Society, Autism affects 1 out of 500 children every year. The signs start initiating around the age of 3, where the child starts lacking the sense of eyesight and emotions. Autistic children lack the capacity to express their feelings or communicate their ideas and thoughts. The early firsthand signs contain the disability to maintain a conversation and sensitivity to emotions and physical affection.

There are several types of autism which include: pervasive developmental disorder, asperger's syndrome, rett syndrome, and childhood disintegrative disorder.These disorders all fall under the Autism family branch and share the same syndromes at different paces.

Why is it important to create this awareness?

I have a brother with Asperger syndrome. My brother at the age of four couldn't speak and would utter noises. The experience was difficult, for my family and I had to attend several medical experts and come out with vague explanations to my brother's behavior. Finally, at the age of five after traveling down to San Antonio, McAllen, and Austin, we came back to a pediatrician in Laredo from a reliable family member. Listening to his explanations of Asperger's syndrome was shocking. How was it possible to have a syndrome and why was the third born, male child affected? It was explained to my family that Asperger's syndrome was more likely to strike males than females, for unknown reasons. Today, at the age of ten, my brother went from a child who spoke gibberish, to a young man that can convert words into sentences. My family never imagined my brother talking, dressing himself, writing, and receiving Student of the Month. Thanks to seeking the treatment of speech therapy and attending a public school with an Autistic unit, my brother is on his way to being placed in a normal unit.

Laredo does not have a special Autistic unit to help these kids. As of 2005, there were only two schools with an Autistic class, these being UISD Finley Elementary and LISD Sanchez-Ochoa Elementary; other schools were more than likely to place Autistic children in a special education classroom.

Autism is a disorder that is treated, not cured. It's a syndrome that is out there but not known. You may have a family member affected, without knowing. For those who have a child with Autism, don't give-up, speak out about the syndrome. By creating an understanding, we are taking steps into raising awareness of the disorder and possibly making a difference in the future.

If you wish to seek more information on Autism, visit this website, http://www.autism-society.org

Judith Rayo may be contacted at (Judith@dusty.tamiu.edu)