It was truly a trying time when the couple found out that J, their eldest son has autism.J has severe autism. Though his parents knew about his disorder, no intervention was given to him until the age of 9 due to lack of knowledge in properly addressing his needs.
J is now 29 years old. Like most individuals with severe autism, he has very poor communication skills, not even capable of using non verbal gestures, depends on others even on his toileting needs, with aggressive and self-injurious behavior.
The parents are not complaining for they sincerely love J but admitted having a tough life. In every decision they would have to make- regarding work schedule, taking trips, whether to attend social gatherings - J would always have to be considered since they take turns looking after him. Even J's younger brother takes part on this responsibility.
R, the younger brother, is an architect. At an early age, their parents made him realize his elder brother's condition. The two brothers grew up very close to each other. R was taught to respect and love J as an older sibling. Their parents made known to him how significant he is in his brother's life. R took this to heart. An overseas job opportunity came but he turned it down because he does not want his aging parents to be left alone taking care of J. When it comes to having romantic relationship, R would want a woman who will accept and care for J as if his own brother.
Their parents are so pleased with how their sons treat each other. They are so proud of R for the kind man he turned out to be. As for J , he is still the son and the brother who made them experience a challenging and tough life but brought out the best in each one of them.
J has severe autism. Despite being so, his parents no longer worry about him just like before. Because they know even when their time ends, J has a brother who would love and take care of him.
Persons having Severe Autism, also called Low-Functioning Autism have greater difficulty with social skills and communication. They also have sensory processing disorder rendering them too sensitive or not sensitive enough to various stimuli making them unable to appropriately react or cope up with the different situations encountered in daily life. Sensory processing disorder along with the inability to communicate to express themselves adequately often lead them to exhibit challenging behaviors such as self injury ( e.g. head banging, hand biting, excessive scratching ) and aggression ( e.g. hitting, biting, pinching, throwing objects ).
A child with Severe Autism also have greater difficulty learning. As with other Autism Spectrum Disorders, early intervention is just as important. In the case of Severe Autism, education and therapy should be geared towards functional living programs that may help the child to live, work and become socially accepted members of the community.Individualized Education Program (IEP) should include life skills and discovering a child's potentials and skills then eventually developing them.
Children have a limited time spent with their teachers and therapists. That is why parents are encouraged to get involved and at the very least try to know something about their child's disorder as this may contribute greatly in achieving IEP goals. Parents may ask teachers how they may reinforce at home what has been learned in school.
Parents may also ask the therapist on how they can manage their child's behavioral and sensory issues at home. Consistency in approach is crucial in managing whatever issues a child may have. How a particular issue is being dealt with at the therapy center must be the same at home. Ultimately, the goal is to help them become self- sufficient individuals to the best of their potentials.
Parents have a key role in the life of their children - typical or special ones. More than anyone else, it is the parents obligation to raise their children well; help and guide them to be the best of what they can be.
Posted by Red
Image Credits:
Vintage picture of two young children by Chrisroll
Back view of school boy sitting by Imagerymajestic
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