Autism Awareness Month: Local Mother's Perspective

April is Autism Awareness Month, a time for highlighting autism and the need for more understanding and research.

Autism is a neurological disorder with symptoms that include impaired communication skills, cognitive and intellectual development delays, social interaction difficulties and repetitive behavior. The autism spectrum includes Asperger syndrome.

In North Andover, there were 97 students in the school system diagnosed with autism in 2012, according to school department data.

"There has definitely been an increase in autism cases in the past 10 years," North Andover Spcial Education Director Leigh Ann Carbone said. "North Andover currently has 3 PDD programs at the elementary level and programs at the middle and high school levels. We have proposed a new program for the middle school for next year to address the needs of those students who require more intensive interventions, including Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) techniques."

And autism diagnosis has seen a spike nationwide. According to the Centers for Disease Control, 1 in 88 children in America are diagnosed on the autism spectrum, 10 times more than 40 years ago. It is believed that a major factor in this spike is the improvement in diagnostic methods and awareness. And autism is more commonly found in boys than girls.

"Do I think that Autism is on the rise? No," said Darcy Rubino of North Andover. Rubino has a daughter with autism and works with the North Andover Parents Advisory Council for Children with Special Needs. "I think that there is more accurate testing being done, and because Autism is a spectrum disorder more doctors are classifying children as autistic because the spectrum is so broad."

Autism is believed to be caused by a variety of factors -- each case potentially different -- with genes and environmental causes being most common.

The financial impact on a family dealing with autism can be overwhelming -- higher medical bills and services -- and so can the emotional impact.

"We sometimes feel isolated from our community or family because people do not truly understand autism," Rubino said. "It is hard to particpate in typical activities because autism is unpredictable. Meltdowns and anxiety occur frequently, so we try to expose our daughter to activities but always make alternate plans. It is also hard to find an appropriate educational setting.  Luckily, North Andover has a wonderful elementary Autism program, and my daughter has done extremely well there. I always urge families to reach out to natural supports in their community. There are friends out there that "get it".  Sometimes it takes a while to find them, but they are out there!"

If you believe your child may be on the autism spectrum, you should consult with his or her pediatrician as soon as possible. Earlier diagnosis is crucial in managing the disorder.

"Support services have improved in recent years, to a degree," Rubino said. "With the implementation of CBHI (Children's Behavioral Health Initiative) in Massachusetts, families that have a child with a disability (autism included) can apply for Mass Health, no matter what their income is. Through Mass Health, there is access to In Home Behavioral Therapists that help with behaviors in the home. There is also access to Therapeutic Mentors that help a child work on socialization goals, and peer to peer relationships. These services along with a host of private therapies offer families help with their children.  Obviously there is a large financial burden for private services, and that is something that is difficult for a family to balance."

Rubino writes a blog as well: http://worldaccordingtojessica.blogspot.com/