SPECTRUM CONNECTION

By Toni Lapp

Children with Asperger’s syndrome, on the outside, look like typical children, which can be a blessing and a curse. It’s a blessing in that they blend in — at least on the surface — with their neurotypical peers in mainstream schools. The curse is that beneath the surface they are frequently dealing with issues such as depression and ADHD, prompting parents to seek accommodations (hence the term “special needs”).

One of my son’s classmates at Shawnee Mission East, 17-year-old Connor Rice, is an example. Because he’s struggled with anxiety — in addition to having Asperger’s syndrome — his mother, Denise Rice, had obtained an “attendance waiver” to excuse him from excessive absences.
» READ MORE

By Jeanne Holverstott, M.S.

Question: How do you tell a child that he or she has been diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome? Is this something that a 9-year-old needs to know? My feeling is to protect my son until it’s absolutely necessary – perhaps when his status becomes more of an issue. Is that wrong?

Answer: To begin with, let me share a story I will never forget.

“Don’t say the ‘A’ word about your brother,” a mom once said to her 7-year-old daughter. I was surprised to hear such a reprimand directed at a girl who was always polite, never crass. Somewhat jokingly, I asked when such colorful language had entered the repertoire. “We decided to tell her, you know, about it.” About what…..? There I was thinking about how behind I was in parenting literature to have missed a page on when to tell your little ones the little four-lettered ones. But then I understood, but not completely.

I do not have a child on the autism spectrum. I do not have children yet. I do not know how the possible grief and denial associated with parenting a child with an autism spectrum disorder feel.
» READ MORE

 By Julius Karash

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon kicked some well-deserving butts on behalf of the autism world today.

Nixon exercised his boots while signing HB 525 and SB 157 along with sponsors Sen. Eric Schmitt, R-Glendale, and Rep. Jeff Grisamore, R-Lee’s Summit. The two bills codify into law existing autism support through five regional centers.
» READ MORE

By Toni Lapp

Leaders in the autism community are urging voters to speak up on the health-care debate — specifically, to contact lawmakers who will be key to crafting health-care reform legislation.

“Autism insurance reform can and should be included in the final health care reform bill that President Obama has stated he will sign by the end of October,” writes Elizabeth Emken, vice president of government relations for Autism Speaks, in a blast e-mail to members. “This is the time to end autism insurance discrimination once and for all. Our children have a medical condition which deserves appropriate treatment, therapy and care. Congress needs to know that health care ‘reform’ that fails to stop autism insurance discrimination is unacceptable.”
» READ MORE

By Charles Lackner
About two years ago Mandy Commons started working in the marketing department of the company where I was the distribution manager. A few months later I learned that she had three children, one of whom has autism. Not knowing what to say, I said nothing. I listened to her talk about Bryce and how she battled it by herself at first, finding support as she went down a rocky path.
» READ MORE

If you’re traveling with an individual with autism, here are some tips from the experts to make the trip more enjoyable for all concerned.

Plan in advance. Call ahead and inform the airline, hotel, resort and cruise line of the individual’s situation and inquire what special accommodations – fridge, inside room – are available.

Bring the individual’s bedding if you think that will make him more comfortable.

Be realistic in selecting vacation destinations with environments you believe the individual can handle.

Book low season on a cruise or at a resort so there will be fewer guests and the staff will have more time to devote to your needs.

Travel by car if flying or other public transportation seems too difficult.

Choose hotels/motels with kitchen suites or room service so you can eat some of your meals in your room.

MP3 players with headphones, loaded with favorite music, can soothe individuals who are disturbed by noises. Personal DVD players can also help make a long trip more enjoyable.

Don’t hesitate to explain the individual’s situation to others you may encounter, including flight attendants, hotel staff, employees at the amusements you visit, and other vacationers.

Prepare the individual before and during the trip on what to expect that day.

Adhere as closely as you can to the individual’s normal routine.

Whatever happens, stay calm.

NOTE: Courtesy of the Autism Society of America