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April is Autism Awareness Month. Once considered a single disorder, autism is, in fact, a series of different neurological disorders, known as autism spectrum disorders. These include autism, Asperger's syndrome, and Pervasive Developmental Disorder. These disorders affect a child's social interaction, communication skills and behavior. A child suffering from an autistic disorder may not be able to speak, may become fixated on a particular object or may not be able to tolerate a simple hug or other physical contact.
There is no known cause, and no known cure. Suggested causes include genetics, vaccines containing mercury, even men fathering children in older age, or the time of year a person is born. Also, diseases such as encephalitis, fragile X syndrome, tuberous sclerosis and untreated phenylketonuria may trigger autistic behavior.
Someone asked CNN: What jobs can't I do if I have Asperger's syndrome? Read the answer from Mental Health Expert Dr. Charles Raison Psychiatrist, Emory University Medical School
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BEYOND US with NANCY BEU (pronounced 'boy')
Beyond Us is a support group for parents and friends of people-of any age-on the autism spectrum. The group meets the fourth Tuesday of every month at the Overbrook Presbyterian Church, 4131 North High Street in Columbus. The church is south of Henderson road and north of the Park of Roses.
Nancy Beu is the founder of Beyond Us and a former "Mother From Hell" She's the mother of Elizabeth Beu, 27. Listen to Christopher Purdy's conversation with Nancy Beu, and learn more about Beyond Us.Contact Nancy for more information: nancybeu@aol.com
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Autism College Transition Program (ACT):
A collaboration between The Educational Service Center of Franklin County and Columbus State for residents of Delaware, Franklin and Union counties
Transitioning Young People on the Autism Spectrum into College
ACT students have completed high school graduation requirements and plan to attend college, but defer graduation to attend the one year program. Students enroll in Columbus State courses alongside traditional students, but receive support with academic coaching, time management, social skills and transition planning.
Christopher Purdy talks with Matthew Wilson, ACT Education Specialist
For more information on ACT, call Matthew Wilson at 614.287.2050
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PLAN of CENTRAL OHIO:
Planned Lifetime Assistance Network
PLAN offers peace of mind by assisting in setting up a service plan (contracted services) which maintains continued care and supervision of the client. PLAN provides any service that will help individuals become more self sufficient and enhance the quality of life.
Christopher Purdy talks with Albert Acierno, PLAN of Central Ohio
Contact PLAN:
Phone: 614.586.4049
Email: planco@wowway.com
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Aspirations is a social and vocational skills support group for high functioning young adults on the autism spectrum. The program was established in 2002 by the Department of Neurology and the Nisonger Center at The Ohio State University. See www.aspirationsohio.org for complete information.
Click here for a round table discussion about Aspirations with Jeff Siegel, MSW, co-facilitator, and recent Aspirations participants: Dylan Bias, 17, a senior at Gahanna Lincoln High School; Eric Glassford, 21, student; Melanie Yeargeau, doctoral candidate in English and rhetoric, The Ohio State University, recorded at WOSU Public Media, March 24, 2009.
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Lori Bias is the mother of Dylan Bias, a young man with Asperger Syndrome.
She describes Dylan's life, and her own advocacy for persons on the autism spectrum.
Lori founded a scholarship program called Be The Piece. Visit www.bethepiece.org
Click here for a conversation with with Lori Bias, recorded at WOSU Public Media, March 19, 2009, with thanks to recording engineer Eric French
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MUSIC THERAPY UPDATE
Christopher Purdy visited the music therapy clinic at Ohio University in Athens on April 23, 2008, to talk with Professors and therapists Anita Louise Steele and Kamille Geist, and student therapist Sarah Paysack. We listen in on a music therapy session with 10-year-old Christian, a young man with autism. He uses the piano and songs as a bridge to language. Listen to this interview by clicking here.
For more information, contact Professor Steele steelea@ohio.edu
JOHN AND JANNA BROCKERT are Christian's parents. They tell us about the struggles and the joys of raising a child with autism. The Brockstets describe the "early signs" of autism in Christian, plus struggles with school, family, and socialization. Listen to this interview by clicking here.
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AUTISM SCHOLARSHIP-OHIO DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Parents can be reimbursed up to $20,000.00 in expenses for their autistic child's education.
Christopher Purdy talks with Paul Sogan and Carolyn Head, Educational Consultants, Department of Exceptional Children, Ohio Department of Education. Listen to this interview by clicking here.
Call them at 614.466.2650, or visit www.ode.state.oh.us (search 'autism scholarship')
How does my child qualify?
How do I apply for the scholarship?
What expenses are covered?
Must therapies come from one provider?
What if I can't find professional services in my district?
Paul Sogan and Carolyn Head can help with these and more questions.
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AUTISM SOCIETY OF CENTRAL OHIO
www.autism-centralohio.com
This organization is a good introduction to local resources for parents and all those affected by an autism spectrum disorder. Listen here for a visit with Autism Society of Central Ohio President Pat Cloppert She also discusses a program for young adults with Autism at Ohio State, ASPIRATIONS
ASPIRATIONS contact: Jeff Siegel, MSW (614) 292-4185 siegel.45@osu.edu |
Additional material:
The Autism Collaboration Web site: http://www.autism.org
AN AUTISM FACT SHEET- some FAQs and links to resources
About.com:Autism - Do Vaccines cause Autism?
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