The incidence of autism or pervasive developmental disorder is on the rise in the CNMI and the world today. It is not solely due to an increase in occurrence, but is being recognized more at an earlier age and in milder forms.
Also, the diagnostic criterion has changed which alters the prevalence. What was once thought to be a disorder caused by parents is now known to be an actual neurobiological disorder that occurs before the child is born.
My autistic son Nicholas. Nicholas is sixteen years old and in the tenth grade at Saipan Southern High School under the Public School System Special Education Program. Nicholas’ Individualized Educational Plan has entitled him with a one-on-one, brilliant and fantastic teacher aide, Mr. Ed Guinto, who always has a “can-do” attitude.
Nicholas’ educational enhancement program is with Ms. Quintanilla, Mrs. Regula, Ms. Guerrero, Mrs. Torres, Mr. Smith, Mrs. Johnson, and principal, Mr. Garrison. Throughout his years in school, we found out that Nicholas and other autistic children learn better through written scripts if they are verbal and through pictures if they are non-verbal. With this practice Nicholas understands that he is different from others and that others perceive him. My hope is that the world will learn to enable rather than disable autistic individuals in their lives. My husband and I are doing all that we can in many avenues to enhance the treatment of education and daily independent living skills which we feel are appropriate for Nicholas. We also keep our minds open to new ideas and stay with what is working. We believe that keeping him in inclusion education is the key to his progress.
Each morning after I drop Nicholas off to school, I sit at home and think how well his day will be. Often times I will envision how he sees, feels and touches what is in front of him. There are times I feel I am literally inside his head and I am writing what he truly feels. Autism occurs in many different degrees. My son happens to be a low-functioning autistic individual who was unable to express himself at an early age. Unlike a lot of the autistic population, in which 50 percent are non-verbal and some have severe behavioral challenges such as head banging, Nicholas is able to function more effectively. He is like a window into the mind of a young autistic child.
My hope is that in due time there will be a turn in his life that will help and direct a lot more children into early intervention programs that will give them a better chance in life.
The significance of our son’s life has never been overshadowed by his disability. He wakes up each morning with a smile on his face and is ready to face any new challenges of that day. His goodness is sincere and true. He has taught us to focus on the small blessings of life. Although we may not see them at first, he reassures us that those small blessings are there. The rewards of parenting a child with autism are many. Our son doesn’t call us Mommy or Papa unless asked to, but the love and affection he shows us makes up for that.
I feel that each person in the world has been placed here for a reason, exactly the way they are, and all of these individuals are incredibly special. Each one of these precious autistic people need help learning in their own unique style in order for them to reach their own fullest potential. We all need to act as facilitators in this process. I believe this is our role as families and educators.
Having a child with autism does not magically transform you into “Supermom” or Superdad,” with boundless energy, miraculous teaching abilities, or infinite patience. In addition to all you face with your child with autism, you still have to earn a living, eat, sleep, take care of your other kids, and clean the house. Like everyone else, you have good days and bad days. Many parents of children with autism, however, lament that the world no longer sees them as the mortals they really are and regard them as somehow “gifted.” Even though being a parent of a child with autism requires superhuman efforts at times, you are still the same person you were before.
As a mother I feel the need to truly become involved in Nicholas’ life rather than just letting it happen or by turning it over to “professionals.” Autistic kids usually cannot tell you what they need, and people without everyday contact with autism do not understand your frustration. I am the mouth and ears of my child.
Remember, as the expert of your child and his/her needs, you are in the best, most knowledgeable position to explain these problems to people who can help. Nobody is an advocate for your kid but yourself. You see potential when nobody else sees potential and you see problems when nobody else sees problem.
Step on toes if you must, but don’t sit back and assume it will work out. Being a parent of a child with autism is a full-time job and then some. Don’t ever give up until you get the answers you need and the results you want.
Someday your child will grow up. He/she will become an adult with autism. Right now, while you are concentrating on getting the best possible care for him/her as a child, this fact may seem irrelevant. Set your goals, standards, and rules. Forget what other people may think; always remember that what you think of yourself and for your child is what really matters.
VIVIAN P. CABRERA
San Vicente, Saipan
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