This image represents 'autism' to me. Although it is not my son, many times Sonny viewed his surroundings in just this way.
April is World Autism Awareness/Acceptance Day. The numbers of autism cases are growing across the globe; so, is the research. Most of this research is new; while some is older research viewed from a new perspective. Hopefully, this will help us try to keep up with what it means to be on the ‘autism spectrum’. My wish is to make a collection of this work in a FREE ASD BOOK; easily available on my website www.sarasautismsite.com; under MENU.
My book: Know Autism – Know Your Child: with < My Thoughts > by Sara Luker is written as a multidisciplinary approach to providing information about Autism Spectrum Disorder. Within is an anthology of current and past findings, as well as guided inquiries. These are often written in ‘prose’ (stating the current thoughts). Plus, < My Thoughts > in response to ‘referenced’ excerpts from peer-reviewed material. There are images, appendices, and many ‘true-life’ stories. Thus, giving readers the opportunity to begin their own autism conversation. Perhaps providing points of reference for readers to research autism in their own way.
Originally, the focus of my information gathering was to assist the growing number of parents who have recently experienced the shock and disbelief of learning that their child has ‘autism’. Then, the healthcare provider may also advise them that there isn’t an ‘autism-specific’ healthcare plan available. And, to their surprise, there are no general set life expectations trajectories to follow.
Understanding a sense of frustration, it was important for me to include a special anthology of personal stories; where the ‘voices of experiences’ could be heard. As a parent of an adult child with autism, as an educator, and a ‘forever student’, < My Thoughts > are offered throughout this collection to offer my 'educated' comments. Please let this material help you begin your own ‘personal’ journey into the world of Autism. As a reader, parent, clinician, therapist, educator, and/or nursing professional, ‘do the work’, join in the ‘search’.
This material reflects my 30-year journey which ended abruptly with the sudden death of my husband who was Sonny’s devoted father and caregiver. Then, three months later, as the result of grief, failure to thrive, and a Grand Mal seizure, 37-year-old Sonny went to join his father. Forever together again, as their spirits soar, these noble souls may now know the secrets of the Universe.
For the rest of us, there is so much yet to learn about the mystery of the autism brain, with its complex neuroanatomy. We don’t know why the autism spectrum is so broad. What we do know, is that autism is a disorder with ‘no’ apparent cure. The ‘hope’ seems to lie in the current recommendation for ‘Early Intervention.’
< My Thoughts > “…‘Early Intervention.’”
Be aware that professionals say the term ‘Early Intervention’ itself may be a misnomer. Many ‘interventions’ and suggestions about products/services, and/or treatments mistakenly may advocate unfounded ‘cures’, or suggest ‘long-term’ positive effects. Know also, that 'autism' is an 'unregulated business' to many.
Often, the autistic brain can be sending ‘mixed messages’; which confuses perception of the environment. This may be leading to ‘sensory’ issues. More confusion for the individual on the autism spectrum may be having ‘co-morbid’ issues; such as anxiety, depression, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and/or a seizure disorder.
When the time for ‘early intervention’ has passed, know that adults with autism may find that a 'late diagnosis' can answer many questions about who they are. It is never too late to learn about ourselves.
Regards, Sara Luker
April is World Autism Awareness/Acceptance Day. The numbers of autism cases are growing across the globe; so, is the research. Most of this research is new; while some is older research viewed from a new perspective. Hopefully, this will help us try to keep up with what it means to be on the ‘autism spectrum’. My wish is to make a collection of this work in a FREE ASD BOOK; easily available on my website www.sarasautismsite.com; under MENU.
My book: Know Autism – Know Your Child: with < My Thoughts > by Sara Luker is written as a multidisciplinary approach to providing information about Autism Spectrum Disorder. Within is an anthology of current and past findings, as well as guided inquiries. These are often written in ‘prose’ (stating the current thoughts). Plus, < My Thoughts > in response to ‘referenced’ excerpts from peer-reviewed material. There are images, appendices, and many ‘true-life’ stories. Thus, giving readers the opportunity to begin their own autism conversation. Perhaps providing points of reference for readers to research autism in their own way.
Originally, the focus of my information gathering was to assist the growing number of parents who have recently experienced the shock and disbelief of learning that their child has ‘autism’. Then, the healthcare provider may also advise them that there isn’t an ‘autism-specific’ healthcare plan available. And, to their surprise, there are no general set life expectations trajectories to follow.
Understanding a sense of frustration, it was important for me to include a special anthology of personal stories; where the ‘voices of experiences’ could be heard. As a parent of an adult child with autism, as an educator, and a ‘forever student’, < My Thoughts > are offered throughout this collection to offer my 'educated' comments. Please let this material help you begin your own ‘personal’ journey into the world of Autism. As a reader, parent, clinician, therapist, educator, and/or nursing professional, ‘do the work’, join in the ‘search’.
This material reflects my 30-year journey which ended abruptly with the sudden death of my husband who was Sonny’s devoted father and caregiver. Then, three months later, as the result of grief, failure to thrive, and a Grand Mal seizure, 37-year-old Sonny went to join his father. Forever together again, as their spirits soar, these noble souls may now know the secrets of the Universe.
For the rest of us, there is so much yet to learn about the mystery of the autism brain, with its complex neuroanatomy. We don’t know why the autism spectrum is so broad. What we do know, is that autism is a disorder with ‘no’ apparent cure. The ‘hope’ seems to lie in the current recommendation for ‘Early Intervention.’
< My Thoughts > “…‘Early Intervention.’”
Be aware that professionals say the term ‘Early Intervention’ itself may be a misnomer. Many ‘interventions’ and suggestions about products/services, and/or treatments mistakenly may advocate unfounded ‘cures’, or suggest ‘long-term’ positive effects. Know also, that 'autism' is an 'unregulated business' to many.
Often, the autistic brain can be sending ‘mixed messages’; which confuses perception of the environment. This may be leading to ‘sensory’ issues. More confusion for the individual on the autism spectrum may be having ‘co-morbid’ issues; such as anxiety, depression, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and/or a seizure disorder.
When the time for ‘early intervention’ has passed, know that adults with autism may find that a 'late diagnosis' can answer many questions about who they are. It is never too late to learn about ourselves.
Regards, Sara Luker
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