April is “Autism Awareness” month and what a perfect time for me to share with you something that I’m so passionate about. First of all, I really don’t know where to start because this disorder is so overwhelming and so pervasive in today’s world. I have several family members who are on the autism spectrum. Two of them are mild and one of them is severe. Also, I have many close friends who have children with autism. So, I have seen and felt the full range of this disorder. And, through my work with HEAL (Healing Every Autistic Life) I have gotten to know so many wonderful people over the years who I feel such a strong connection to because of our common struggles and successes.
Right now some stats show that 1 in 50 children are diagnosed on the spectrum. When I first learned about autism it was like 1 in 150. And, for boys the chances are even higher of being diagnosed. I really don’t know what exactly is causing so many children to have autism. But, I do agree with what most scientists believe. And, that some of us are genetically prone to developing autism and something or some things in the environment are triggering it. There is so much amazing research out there into our genetic make-up that I think we are very close to finding out why so many of us are being diagnosed. I have also seen many children improve with new treatments through integrative medicine. And, OT and Speech Pathologists are helping children go farther then many of us ever dreamed.
But when I think about what really stands out to me the most through out all of this ordeal are the amazingly strong parents who are faced with the reality that their child is not neuro-typical. That in itself is heart-wrenching. Then comes the isolation from friends and family who don’t understand why your child doesn’t act like everyone else and screams at the top of his lungs if a noise is too loud in the room. And, on top of that you have are dealing with a disorder that is financially and physically draining.
Somehow these parents manage to pick themselves up by the bootstraps and soldier on for their children. For many parents it’s such a struggle just getting the right diagnosis. After that, finding the right treatment can be a nightmare in itself. Then to try and find the ways to pay for these therapies which are often times not covered by insurance can be extremely difficult. I mean, who wouldn’t be crushed to hear that there is a treatment that might help their child but it’s $30,000 a year and it’s not covered by insurance. I have friends who have taken out second mortgages just to make sure their baby is getting the best help possible.
So, during this month of Autism Awareness I have a simple request for those of you reading this… If you are not affected by autism and you know someone who is then reach out to them. Just call them and ask how they are doing. Offer to help them in some way. Maybe even offer to watch their child so they can have some time to relax. It may seem small to you but it will make the world of difference in the lives of someone who is living with autism each and every day.
Another way you can help is to get a team together and walk in the HEAL Zoo Walk on April 26th at the Jacksonville Zoo. I am the Board President of HEAL and I can promise you that all the money that’s raised here in our area will stay in our area. Over the past 8 years HEAL has donated almost a million dollars to help autism programs in schools, at camps…really where ever there is a need.
One of our newest missions is to get iPads into the ESE classrooms all over the First Coast. We have already donated some to Clay County Schools and are currently getting them into Duval County Schools. iPads can make a world of difference in the lives of children with autism who are non-verbal or just have trouble communicating. I have seen first-hand how the iPads have opened the doors of communication for these kids. And, for some of them this is their only way of communicating. It’s powerful stuff. I could go on and on about HEAL but if you want more info about our non-profit or about the Zoo Walk just go to http://www.healautismnow.org
About the Author
Patty Crosby is a familiar face in Jacksonville as the co-an chor of the weekly morning newscast Good Morning Jacksonville. She has been waking people up on the First Coast for almost 20 years now. She’s also the proud and busy mother of two teenaged boys and has rescued 1 dog and 3 cats. In addition to her job anchoring and reporting the news Patty devotes her extra time to helping out in the community. She is currently the Board President of HEAL (Healing Every Autistic Life) and hosts numerous events like the JDRF Miracles in the Moonlight gala each year.
