KPLC 7 News, Lake Charles, Louisiana |Local Families and Autism

Local Families and Autism

February 22, 2005
By Theresa Schmidt

This week NBC is running a special series, "Autism: a hidden epidemic?" The Center for Disease control says autism is now the fastest growing developmental disorder. And it's a disorder that poses challenges for families right here in Southwest Louisiana. 

Autism interferes with a person's ability to communicate, form relationships and interact with the people around them. The complex brain disorder is usually diagnosed in childhood by the age of three.

Members of Southwest Louisiana Chapter of the Autism Society of America meet regularly. They help each other deal with the challenges of autism and are advocates for those with the disorder. Mona O'Brien first suspected a problem when her son Rene was around 18 months old. "Speech delays, problems with tactile sensitivity. If they have a problem with their clothes touching them or other people hugging them or touching them it should send up flags." Now Rene is 13 years old. She says thanks to early intervention he's made remarkable progress: "We've gone from having no communication skills, all type of sensory issues that, through school board they've given us speech therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy and he has progressed tremendously."

 Barbara Greer is the mother of 8 year old Michael who is autistic. She's become president of the local chapter to help parents just learning about autism: "Their child has just been diagnosed or they're just trying to get information because their child is in the process of being diagnosed. We put together packages and we send to the parents information on what is autism, what are the early signs of autism."

 Mona emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis. "It's very important recognizing it. Don't wait. If moms have an inkling, trust your instincts."

Yet, there are many issues for adults who have autism. Adults like Evan Patterson who is what they call high functioning.  He explains what it's like.  "If you're in a group, it's like you're on the outside looking in." reporter: "I'm not sure I understand what you mean by that." Evan: "You can be with your best friend and still be like you're absent." 

 Tomorrow we'll have more on issues and challenges facing those who have autism and the need for adult services and homes.  We'll hear more from our local families on this and other issues. For more information on local services call the Southwest Louisiana Chapter of the Autism Society of America at 855-2068.  For information on adult services call 433-5662.  The Autism Society of America is 1-800-3AUTISM or www.autism-society.org   The Louisiana State Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities Region 5 office is 337-475-8045.  The Calcasieu Parish School Board Pupil Appraisal Child Search/Child Net & Special Education Program is 337-882-0234 extension 224 or 226.  The Louisiana State Office of Social Services Department of Rehabilitation Service is 337-475-8038 or 1-800-520-0589. Family and Youth Counseling Agency also provides services.  Call 337-436-9533