Gus & us: diagnosing autism early

by Bob Glowacki

It was great to read Matt’s post yesterday about Easter Seals Bay Area launching an Early Intervention Autism Program to serve children 18 months through 3 years old. A story about autism on the OnMilwaukee blog points out why programs like that are so necessary. The story features Gus, a client we serve at Easter Seals Southeast Wisconsin.

When Christine and Eric Prigge’s son, Gus, was 18 months old, they suspected something was amiss. Gus, who has a twin brother, did not respond to his name, made very little eye contact, didn’t play with age-appropriate toys and seemed distant.

At the time, Christine expressed her concerns to Gus’ pediatrician, but was told developmental disabilities in young children could not be diagnosed until 3 years old. At Gus’ next appointment, Christine voiced her observations again and was again told that she would have to wait for a diagnosis. This time, Christine didn’t settle for the doctor’s response, and started talking to friends about her son’s behavior.

This is a story we hear far too often, the wait to get the right diagnosis. Gus’ Mom did the right thing, though — she sought help and got Gus involved with Easter Seals early on. With Autism or any learning delay, early action can mean much higher outcomes for a child.

Gus and his family will be Walk With Me Ambassadors for Easter Seals Southeast Wisconsin this year — we’re thrilled to have the Prigge family on our team.

Diagnosing autism before age 3

by Matt McAlear

Lisa Tate’s recent blog wondered about the myth that children can’t be diagnosed with autism before age three. In the past, doctors were hesitant to diagnose autism in children less than 2 years of age, mostly because of the relatively limited amount of research showing stability of such early diagnoses. Doctors were more likely to provide a Pervasive Developmental Disorder – Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS) diagnosis. They’d watch the child for two years, see if the signs and symptoms were still there, then switch the diagnosis to autism.

But that’s changing. Last October, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended autism-specific screening at 18-month and 24-month doctor visits. Now more children are being diagnosed earlier on.

Here at Easter Seals Bay Area we’ve launched an Early Intervention Autism Program (EIAP) to specifically serve children 18 months through 3 years who are diagnosed on the autism spectrum. EIAP’s mission statement:

To provide empirically based interventions to young children aged 18 months to 3 years with autism and similar disabilities that will facilitate successful inclusion into the least restrictive environment.

The EIAP will provide best practices in the field of early intervention autism treatment by developing an approach that enables clinicians and families to choose from and use multiple treatment methodologies. This will be unique to a market of parents who, until now, have not been given a choice in regard to finding a treatment that will work for their child and family.

There is still much we do not know in the field of autism treatment, but we do know that through programs like the EIAP we can make many important contributions to the lives of many children and families affected by autism. As a society, we cannot afford to deliver anything but the most effective interventions to children with autism. Through programs like the EIAP, Easter Seals Bay Area is providing help, hope and answers for families living with autism today.

Increase autism awareness: Act for Autism

by Beth Finke

Easter Seals is taking advantage of Autism Awareness Month to make sure people are aware that … autism is treatable. Seems like such a simple concept, doesn’t it? But it’s surprising how many people are, well … unaware.

It’s true: autism is treatable! Just ask my friend Barbara Gaither. You might recognize Barbara’s name — she’s posted a few blogs here about her son Scottie, and today she’s sending an email message to Easter Seals friends to celebrate his progress.

Autism is treatable. Scottie is living proof of that. He has emerged from his dark world of isolation to become the engaging 2nd grader he is today, thanks in great part to Easter Seals.

Every day, Easter Seals provides personalized treatments that help people of all ages with autism lead meaningful and productive lives. We hope you’ll join in our efforts — Act for Autism and let people know about our programs and services.

Join us — Easter Seals acts for autism every day. We’re constantly finding and refining the best treatments, educating people about autism and advocating for government policies that support people with autism.

If you’re reading this blog, you’re someone who takes action. Please continue to do so! Act for Autism with Easter Seals today — start out Autism Awareness Month by making people aware that autism is treatable.

Get the word out — it’s Autism Awareness Month

by Patricia Wright

Autism Awareness Month begins today, so start looking (and listening!) for Easter Seals on TV, on radio and in the print media.

We’re committed to helping people understand that autism is treatable, early intervention improves outcomes, and funding is necessary for appropriate services and supports. These are the messages that I want to send through the media. And, lucky for me, I sometimes get a chance to do just that.

Last week CNN called to ask me about web resources for World Autism Day — autism is big news, and America’s number one cable news source wants to be prepared for all the people coming to their website this month.

My colleagues and I were also asked to do a spot for the radio show Life, Love & Health. Radio spots are fun. You know that if you say something really ridiculous — or even sneeze — it can be edited out. Thanks to editors and producers, I always end up sounding better on radio than I do on my karaoke machine at home! See if you agree — listen to my radio piece about autism.

If you can’t listen to an mp3, here’s the text of my soundbite:

Autism affects everyone differently and involves challenges in communication, social skills, and behaviors. If you’re worried your child may have autism — or feel something just isn’t right — follow your instincts. Don’t assume that your child will catch up. Share your concerns with your pediatrician. Look into your state’s early intervention program. Get a diagnosis. And seek support from community service and treatment providers like Easter Seals.

The idea that public awareness can promote effective services and supports encourages me to keep sharing the message — There Is Hope.

CNN noticed your autism stories

by Beth Finke

A huge thank you to all of you who read Lisa Tate’s blog last week and then contacted CNN. The network’s chief medical/health producer phoned Easter Seals Headquarters last week to tell us she’d been touched by several of your autism stories.

CNN plans to continue covering autism far beyond this Wednesday (when CNN Medical News will devote their entire day of coverage to autism). And now, because of your response to Lisa’s blog and your willingness to share your autism stories, CNN has decided to highlight Easter Seals on the CNN Medical news website as one of its key resources for families to get support/treatment for autism.

Be sure to watch CNN and check out its website In April — Autism Awareness Month starts tomorrow.

Working with undiagnosed autism

by Debbie Smith

The media does a fantastic job on reporting the benefits of early diagnosis and treatment of autism, but the needs of older individuals have to be addressed too.

I’ve been working with individuals with disabilities for many years. About 10 years ago we had a huge increase of children being diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficient Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Many of these individuals were treated with psychotropic medications to control their behaviors. Many did not respond appropriately or learn basic academics. So then they’d get a new diagnosis: Cognitive Learning Disability.

These individuals are 18 years old and older now, and when we review their needs we see key characteristics of autism. Do they have the diagnosis of Autism? NO. But do they have the limitations/challenges of an individual with Autism? YES.

Locating long-term supports for these individuals is very challenging. They often become drop-outs, involved in the mental health or judicial systems, with no opportunity for career success that focuses on their strengths.

Our workforce is missing out on an incredible pool of individuals ready for detail, routine and process!

Documentaries help the public understand autism

by Beth Finke

A story in last Tuesday’s LA Times highlights three documentaries that attempt to put faces on autism.

With estimates of children with an autism disorder running as high as one in
166, several new documentaries — Autism Every Day, Autism: The Musical and Her Name Is Sabine — are attempting to broaden the public’s understanding of the condition.

One of the documentaries — Autism: The Musical — has been getting lots of positive reviews since its HBO premiere on Tuesday. Autism: The Musical is the story of five children with autism and a woman who leads them in performing their own musical. If you missed the premiere, Autism: The Musical is available in its entirety online, at hbo.com. I haven’t seen (okay, heard) it myself yet, but the reviews are so compelling, I may give it a try this weekend.

Governor awarded for autism advocacy

by Bob Glowacki

Well, we had plenty of excitement yesterday with a visit from Jim Doyle — he’s the governor of Wisconsin. He came to our adult day services center in Wauwatosa to receive the National Easter Seals Outstanding Advocate of the Year award. Governor Doyle received the award for his work towards improving access to services and his support in closing institutions and providing funding for community settings.

Denise Rozell, Assistant Vice President of State Government Relations at Easter Seals’ Office of Public Affairs, presented the award. She was impressed by the governor’s passion for Autism services and his support of community options in long term care. The Governor also supports a bill to mandate health coverage for Autism Services in our state – you can read about that in the blog I wrote on health insurance for people with autism.

Yesterday’s ceremony featured the Easter Seals Wil-O-Way Color Guard (made up of participants from our recreation programs) and a talk by an Easter Seals participant who moved from a state institution to a group home. He told us he had recently taken the handcuffs off a stuffed animal he owned because, like the stuffed animal, he felt—free! It was a very emotional moment, and it was a great day to be part of Easter Seals!

CNN wants to hear your autism story

by Lisa Tate

On Wednesday, April 2, CNN Medical News is planning to devote their entire day to autism coverage.

If autism touches your life, CNN wants to hear your story. They are hoping to dispel misconceptions about the disorder in a report called Myths of Autism and are interested in what you think the prevailing myths about autism are.

I’m planning on submitting a story myself — it’ll question the belief that Autism cannot be reliably diagnosed before a child is three years old. If you want to Contact CNN, too, go to CNN’s health blog to see the topics the network plans to address and how to share your story.

It’s Easter Seals time!

by Beth Finke

This Sunday is Easter, and that holiday always brings Easter Seals to mind. We sometimes get questions at this time of year about how we got our name, or how the seal campaign began.

These questions and more were answered this morning when James E. Williams, Jr., the President and Chief Executive Officer of Easter Seals, was interviewed on national Fox Business Network’s Money for Breakfast program.

If you missed the show, you can watch the interview online.

The interviewer showed off this year’s seals while asking questions — she couldn’t help but admire the artwork. Easter Seals supporters are already receiving their first look at the new lily seals designed by this year’s winning artists.

You can become a part of an American tradition, too — donate online today to receive your own 2008 seals. And send your loved ones free Lily eCards.

It’s a sure sign that spring has arrived!