Cindy Said:

HELP for kid with autism?

We Answered:

I'm sorry to hear of your family's trouble. I agree with the other responder that speech doesn't always happen. However, you need to understand that speech doesn't always solve the problem. Your brother needs to learn how to communicate. Check with your brother's school. Find out what type of communication system he is using at school. If he is using picture communication or augmentative communication (voice output device) ask for training so you can use it at home. Be sure you know how to use the communication system before bringing it home. Your brother will need consistency.

Contact your local autism society chapter. http://www.asalosangeles.org/ (LA) http://www.asaoc.org/ (orange county). It sounds like your family really needs support. Other families in your area are going through the same thing. They can help you by lending support, knowing about community resources, and simply understanding your frustration.

Autism is a life long disability. Many children do very well with appropriate therapies, behavioral interventions, medical interventions, and social skills training. Your family needs to become more active with his school's IEP team and find out how they are working with him and how you can transfer those learned skills to home. If he is not making progress in his current educational placement, then ask the district to show you what else is out there.

It sounds like he is getting a good amount of speech therapy. Maybe your mom could attend one of those sessions or have sessions video taped. If you know how to help your brother communicate your family stress level may get better.

There are also services offered through mental health agencies. In Pennsylvania they are called "wrap-around" services. I'm not sure what they are referred to in CA. These agencies do a psychological evaluation on a child, then prescribe behavioral therapuetic staff to work with the child in the home. This is to help families learn better strategies to make life easier.

Your brother is young. There is a long road ahead of him. There is hope out there for all families of autistic kids. You have to look and empower your family with knowledge.

Good luck to you. Please check out your local chapters for more help and advocates if needed.