Information alleviates the anguish of autism

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Autism, local stories

EL PASO – As Perla turned from two-years-old to three, her mother began to notice that the little girl was having trouble learning to speak and relating to other children. Perla lived in her own little world.

Her mother, Melissa Suarez,23, also noticed that Perla had a hard time concentrating on everyday activities. Suarez then sought professional help at the Community Parent Resource Center (CDIC) and soon heard the word that would change her life.

Autism.

The Community Parent Resource Center located at 1101 E. Schuster El Paso helps parents understand their child’s disability. (Brenda Sanchez/Borderzine.com)

The Community Parent Resource Center located at 1101 E. Schuster El Paso helps parents understand their child’s disability. (Brenda Sanchez/Borderzine.com)

“When I talked to her doctor I found out she has mild autism,” said Suarez. “It was hard for me to understand but they helped me. They recommended strategies I can try to work with her and places where I can seek help.”

The CDIC and other community organizations in El Paso serve as a resource center to help parents understand their child’s disability.

“What we do is train parents and help them through our many resources, because a lot of them don’t know. I myself have a child who has autism. It is not easy,” says Sandra Gutierrez, CDIC Project Director. “When the parents are informed it is easier for everybody. The parent knows what to expect.”

According to Autism research group Autism Speaks, it is estimated that as many as 1 to 1.5 million Americans have some form of Autism.

For unknown reasons the number of cases of children who are suffering from autism is on the rise. According to mayoclinic.com, there is no known cure, but early treatment makes a big difference in a child’s life.

“Taking care of an autistic child is very difficult. It takes a lot of patience, but as a parent, one has to place full commitment to their child’s needs,” says Suarez.

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) says that autism ranges from minor to severe levels. Signs that parents can look out for is:

  • Speech problems – unable to put words or phrases together.
  • Poor social skills – prefers to be isolated when encountered with other children.
  • Poor eye contact – shows little or no response when called out to.
  • Behavior – actions are repetitive or unusual.

“For her to begin talking, it was more difficult and different than what I expected. It took her a long time to put words or phrases together compared to other children,” says Suarez.

Suarez and Gutierrez point out that there are many treatments available, such as medications, therapy, and sensory integration.

“I have been working with her through picture cards to help teach her the alphabet, as well as other activities, all which is very structured” says Suarez.

There are several local organizations established to help parents meet the needs of autistic children.

” Whether it’s aid from the school system or support groups like the Autism Society of El Paso, all these organizations are different and very helpful in their own way. But most parents don’t know about the signs of autism or where to go to seek help,” says Suarez.

Autism advocacy and treatment sparks interest for many organizations including college organizations such as Alpha Xi Delta, ACES, Autism Society of El Paso, Autism Community Network of El Paso, and CDIC (Community Parent Resource Center).

“Working with the community is great because we are here to spread awareness,” says Valerie Lerma, UTEP Alpha Xi Delta philanthropy and event chair. “The more people know the more funding autism foundations will receive.”

For more information on parent resources in the community log on to: http://www.cdicelpaso.org/factSheets/Resource_Directory2011.pdfq

One thought on “Information alleviates the anguish of autism

  1. I was born in 1958 and was very slow in my development and taken by my parents to a local doctor and was told by the doctor to give it some time they did but still no progress in my development so in 1968 with the little resources that were available Mom found the best doctors at that time in Baltimore Maryland called Johns Hopkins. We went there and I went through a series of tests and it was determined I had brain damage and there was not a whole lot that they were able to do and it was suggested I be institutionalized. Mom went back to the drawing board and found another facility in Philadelphia called The Institute For The Achievement Of Human Potential. They also did a series of tests and were able to implement a program that was suitable to meet my needs. I was there for three years and was given a battery of exercises I would have to do in those three years which was movement of my body, eye exercises and also breathing exercises. The purpose of these exercises was to stimulate the blood more efficiently to my brain.I would also have to go every three months to Philly for an evaluation and each time I improved a little more and at the end of the three year hiatus I was much improved but still had a long way to go. Fast forward to 2007 I was diagnosed again but this time I was diagnosed with autism. A bit of a shock at first but life goes on. soon After I read a book on temple grandin and also saw her documentary and was inspired by what I had learned about temple. I was then kicked started to write my own memoir about my life and experiences that I had. The purpose of my book is to help, inspire and educate others who have gone through what I have and send this message to them. Autism is not a death sentence, it is just a road block so go down another path. do not let autism over take you,over take it. Here is the name of my book. Living Life With Autism The World Through My Eyes. Here is my web page. http://www.marcpulver.com. My book can be purchased at Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble. Thank you so much for reading my email.

    Sincerely

    Marc Pulver

    contact # 786-398-8223 or 305-213-2752

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