This is the final in a two-part piece exploring autism, treatment options and steps to take after diagnosis.

“NUTTEN nuh wrong wid mi pickney, mind yuh own business,” teacher at the Kids on Campus Care and Learning Centre, Marcia Sterling-Morrison, said this is the common response from parents who learn that their child might be autistic.

“It is typical for many parents to go through a denial phase and may even be angry with the clinician. This is so because many may feel that their hopes and dreams have now been smashed for their child,” school psychologist at the McCam Child Care and Development Centre Kellie-Anne Brown explained. “But, on the flip side, there are those parents who immediately want to know what they can do to help and are willing to do anything.”

With mild, moderate to severe cases of autism, developmental paediatrician at Kiddie Care Paediatricians Dr Andrea Garbutt said every autistic child is unique.

“Every case is different and as such prescribed treatment is based on common comorbidities,” Dr Garbutt explained. “This is so because of the uniqueness of each case – treatment prescribed are based on the commonly linked behaviour most profound in the autistic child.

“So in an instance, where the autistic child is hyperactive, then treatment given are commonly linked to ‘stimulant medications’. However, the response rates are not the same as the typical population,” Dr Garbutt continued. “Interventions are necessary and are tailored to the child’s developmental needs. Some interventions include speech and language therapy, occupational therapy and intensive behavioural intervention”.

Because autism is a spectrum disorder, it is best to have the child matriculate into an educational institution best suited to take care of their development, so that lessons geared towards the specific needs of that child can be taught.

“Some children are high functioning and will easily adapt academically, but may be challenged socially, and so their intervention and how persons interact with them will be very different,” Brown explained. “As well as some children may need lessons on functional life skills and building self-help skills.”

It is also recommended that spouses seek counselling to ensure that their relationships do not suffer because of the high stressors associated with autism. Children, who may feel left out because of the level of attention being given to their autistic sibling, should also seek counselling.

Dr Garbutt recommends that parents align themselves with support groups which is a way for them to release the feelings of grief or despair, which is sometimes synonymous to tht experienced at the death of a loved one.

“When do we wake up and smell the autism?” Maia Chung pleaded.

The mother of Quinn Garren James Smith, who was diagnosed with autism at three years old, and founder of The Maia Chung Austism and Disabilities Foundation said, “More long-term planning is needed to integrate the autistic community and facilities put in place to cater to their needs.”

Recent findings by the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention show that worldwide, one in every 68 children have been diagnosed with the Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD). ASD is also five times more common among boys (1 in 42) than girls (1 in 189). ASD occurs in all racial, ethnic and socioeconomic groups.

What Jamaicans need to know about children with ASD

“For a better outcome an early diagnosis is crucial. As such parents should be more aware of the developmental patterns of their child and seek help once it is outside of what is expected.” Dr Garbutt said. “Greater acceptance and tolerance is needed by Jamaicans of those in the autistic community.”

“Love, care and attention are the core benefactors needed for the child”, Sterling-Morrison added. “After all, they are humans and should be treated as such. Once you have given them a chance, you’ll see what amazing human beings they are”.

From the mouth of a parent with an autistic child: “I can say to the parents, guardians and teachers, as serious as this diagnosis is, it is not a death sentence.

“Don’t give up, don’t surrender and don’t abuse your child,” said Chung.