Parents of children with autism encourage early diagnosis

“So we had been trying to find out what we could do to help and about a year and a half ago, we were directed towards Autism Services and we met with Dr. (Sharon) Mitchell. And she talked with us and then we started working with Keaton and then he was actually only diagnosed just over a year ago.”

Linda said she has heard other parents say that early diagnosis is wonderful, and said it would have been nice to have happened with Keaton, but it just wasn’t the case.

“But it’s just opened up a world of resources where we could get some help for his needs.”

According to Autism Speaks Canada, one in 68 children have autism, and it affects one in 42 boys.

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects how the person with it thinks, communicates and interacts with others. As a child, they may have delays in reaching certain milestones, such as not speaking by 16 months, or not smiling or expressing joy by six months or afterwards.

Since his diagnosis and working with Autism Services, which is operated by the Prince Albert Parkland Health Region, Keaton and his parents have undergone changes, according to his mother.

“He’s realized different social cues and social cues in himself when he starts getting frustrated with situations and angry with situations. He realizes that he needs time just to calm down and kind of process the things and … I think he’s gotten much better at that.”

His parents also have learned to understand this is what Keaton needs. Linda said just trying to argue with him doesn’t work, nor does telling him he has to do something.

Keaton, himself, said he feels quite a bit of improvement. “I’d get quite angry and quite a few problems would arise and I’ve just been able to calm down.”

He calms himself down by breathing and ignoring people.

And he’s learned these skills through Autism Services.

The program has also helped the family of five-year-old Lucas Mugleston. His mother Andrea said when he was about two years old, they noticed he started to slow down in his speech and they began to look into it.

The family paired up with Autism Services and other organizations. And the family has come a long way, according to Andrea. They provide home visits and group visits, and he’s learned to socialize with other kids.

Autism Services also helps Lucas’ parents cope and deal with what they need to do for themselves as well as their son.

At school, she said the other kids love him, but he’s usually the boss. Lucas now loves Minecraft and he’s good with electronics.

“He’s very special in his own way, just learning how to adapt to his own little world, and he’s filled with lots of love,” Andrea said. She said they ensure everything at home is the way he needs it to be.

She said early intervention is key.

“Go through the process, do your research, see where you need to be to help them be at their age group.”

Aiden McInnes’ parents found out about their son’s autism when his preschool teacher told them they played well beside the other children, but not with them.

His father Aron said Aiden had pretty good strengths – he’s been reading since he was 15 months old and is “well-versed” in languages.

From there, the McInnes’ decided to pursue it further, and he was diagnosed when he was three-and-a-half years old. The diagnosis was important because it meant the family could move forward.

“We’d already started with having help from the ministry of health for therapies and it just helped with us to solidify the approach we were taking and what we were going to do and continue advancements.”

Aron said there’s been a lot of progression since – he plays well with other kids and makes eye contact. He said it’s all things they worked on through therapy.

He attributed the change to early diagnosis and early therapy. “It helps for the parents as well, so we know what to work on.”

Now five, Aiden likes to build things, Aron said, and has taken part in a Lego robotics course. He also plays with his little sister and tries to be a normal kid and do the things other kids do, he added.

“And being silly,” Aiden chimed in.

To find out more about the programs Autism Services provides, call 306-765-6055.

tjames@panow.com

On Twitter: @thiajames

by Thia James

Parents of children with autism encourage early diagnosis

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