April Is Autism Awareness Month

April is Autism Awareness month. Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears in the first three years of life and is the result of a neurological disorder that affects the normal functioning of the brain, impacting development in the areas of social interaction and communication skills. Both children and adults with autism typically show difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions and leisure and play activities. One should keep in mind however, that autism is a spectrum disorder and it affects each individual differently and at varying degrees - this is why diagnosis is so crucial. By learning the signs, a child can begin benefiting from one of the many specialized intervention programs. Autism knows no racial, ethnic, social boundaries, family income, lifestyle, or educational level. It can affect any family, any child.
http://www.autism-society.org/site/PageServer?pagename=about_home
This is my son Ryan with his bling look as he calls it. He was diagnosed a couple of years ago, but it is still something my wife and I think about daily. Since his diagnosis, we've had him enrolled in a new school that can give him the therapy and support he needs and deserves. He has really come a long way already, but we know that real work has only just begun. I urge anyone who feels that their child may be autistic to discuss it with their pediatrician and contact their insurance company. Unfortunately, a lot of insurance companies will not cover testing because they consider it a mental health disorder.