by Connie Erbert

With the recent reports regarding the new statistics indicating that one in every 91 American children are now being diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders, I’ve fielded many telephone calls and emails from parents, professionals and friends asking what I think this means. I think now would be a good time to focus again more specifically on the person diagnosed with autism and what it means to those of us who work to promote appropriate interventions and services to families and communities around the world.

As the media and others address the increase and refer to it often times as an epidemic, I prefer to look at the increase in prevalence of autism spectrum disorders as yet another “wake up” call to all of us. Some of us are part of a community of researchers who are dedicating their careers to uncovering the cause or causes of autism. Others, like me, focus on programs and services for those who have autism as well as the impact autism has on the families whose lives are impacted by the diagnosis. All of us play a role in providing much needed service and support to an increasing number of individuals and families who daily live with the challenges and triumphs of autism.

While the statistics are staggering and autism continues to be the fastest growing developmental disability in the United States, our response needs to be thoughtful, measured and proactive. Rather than exasperation…renewed enthusiasm! Enthusiasm to recognize that each and every one of us, whether we know it or not, plays a role in changing attitudes and perceptions surrounding autism. Each and every day, chances are we interact with someone with an autism spectrum disorder. The more we educate ourselves about autism, the more we increase the chances that we ourselves become agents of change in a society that is still trying to understand autism spectrum disorders.

While the new statistics will be used in the upcoming weeks to generate further funding for research, I hope that the statistics will motivate people to educate themselves. Remember to be aware of those with autism spectrum disorders and appreciate their strengths. Become an advocate towards appropriate services and funding as well as increased coverage through insurance companies. I think it can be a challenge to sift through details that can often times be sensationalized in the media. It almost draws us away from the individual or family…the real “human” aspect of autism. With that in mind, I would like to address a few points to ponder in the coming weeks as stories continue to circulate in response to the rise in autism spectrum disorders.

Remember the person first. Each and every person with autism is first and foremost a person! Too often we hear stories about autism that magnify the symptoms of autism rather than the strengths of the individual. Whether our frame of reference is “Rainman”, or Temple Grandin, those are but two individuals with an autism spectrum disorder.

I firmly believe in the saying, “once you’ve met someone with autism, you’ve met one person with autism.” Each individual has a unique personality, hopes, fears, dreams, interests, strengths and challenges, just as we all do. It would be a shame if all of us were known by a single, solitary label, and yet a person with autism is sometimes described or summarized only by the word autism. Get to know the person, not the label.

Remember the family. Become “future focused” by viewing the individual, and the family as part of our community. Actively educating ourselves about autism spectrum disorders and participating in events to raise awareness and provide supports increases opportunities for all of us to come together as a community. Developing an understanding of autism gives families that extra measure of support when we share public places with them such as grocery stores, churches and restaurants.

Rather than making assumptions, trying to understand individuals with autism opens up opportunities for us to stand alongside parents, teachers, and professionals as a community passionate about addressing the challenges of working with and living with persons with autism spectrum disorders. Whether a child is high functioning, low functioning, is verbal or non-verbal, stims or not, all children deserve the services they need to maximize their potential. They deserve parents who are supportive and engaged with their child and their community, and a community that rejoices in the successes of everyone! The future is always brighter when we share the load!

- Connie Erbert