VICENZA, Italy -- April is National Autism Awareness Month.
The aim of Autism Awareness Month, started by the Autism Society of America in 1970, is to educate the public about autism as a developmental disability and complex mental condition. Autism is a lifelong developmental disability with no single known cause. It can be characterized by difficulties in the way a person communicates or interacts with other people. Typically, children will show symptoms within the first three years of their lives.
People with autism are classed as having Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and the terms "autism" and "ASD" are often used interchangeably. As it is a wide spectrum disorder, people with autism have a set of symptoms unique to themselves; so no two people are the same.
There are, however, some common characteristics found in those with this complex disability. Briefly, these characteristics may affect the following areas:
Social Skills - People with autism have problems interacting with others; children with autism may not have adequate playing and talking skills. Mild symptoms on one end of the spectrum may be displayed through clumsy behavior, being out of sync with those around them and making inappropriate or offensive comments. At the other end of the spectrum, a person with autism may not be interested in others.
Empathy - Empathy is the ability to recognize and understand the emotions of another person. People with autism find it harder to show empathy to others, although they can learn to acknowledge people's feelings.
Physical Contact - In some cases, people with autism do not like physical contact such as hugs, tickling or physical play with others.
Environment - A sudden change in the surrounding environment may affect a person with autism. This could be a loud noise, a change in intensity of lighting or even a change in smell.
Speech - People with autism may have speech issues, such as echolalia, in which a person repeats words and phrases that they hear. People with autism may also have a monotonous tone when speaking. When symptoms are more extreme, the person may not speak.
Activities and Routines - Any change to activities or routines can be unsettling for people with autism. This could be a reordering of daily activities, like brushing teeth, showering and eating breakfast in a different order.
Early Intervention
If your child is exhibiting some of the characteristics of ASD, schedule a primary care appointment at the U.S. Army Health Center Vicenza for evaluation. Your child's provider will perform an evaluation, a developmental screening, and place a referral to the Educational and Developmental Intervention Services (EDIS) and the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP), if indicated.
The EDIS team can assist military and civilian personnel who have a child 21 years of age and younger with developmental, behavioral or educational needs. EDIS is composed of two distinct services; Early Intervention Service for children birth to 3 years of age, and Related Services for children and students three to 21 years of age. With parents' permission, EDIS provides observations, screenings, evaluations and intervention services.
If your child has been diagnosed with ASD, he or she should be screened and enrolled in EFMP, if eligible. EFMP is a comprehensive, coordinated, multi-agency program that provides community support, housing, medical, educational and personnel services to military families with an Exceptional Family Member. EFMP also offers a monthly parent-led support group whose goals are to provide emotional support and encouragement, exchange information and share recommendations for coping day to day.
Autism is Widespread, Awareness is Not
In the United States, autism affects one in every 110 children. Just by reading this article, you are supporting the efforts of Autism Awareness Month in becoming more informed, empathetic and supportive toward people with autism.
The Puzzle Awareness Ribbon is the symbol for Autism Awareness and is promoted by the Autism Society as a means of supporting awareness for the complex and unique qualities autism demonstrates.
For more information on National Autism Awareness Month, visit www.autism-society.org.
Resources
US Army Health Center Vicenza, Building 2310; http://rhce.amedd.army.mil/vicenza/
Information line and to schedule an appointment
DSN 636-9000; comm. 0444-61-9000
Vicenza Educational and Developmental Intervention Services (EDIS), Building 2310
Located in the US Army Health Center Vicenza
http://rhce.amedd.army.mil/vicenza/
DSN 636-9230; comm. 0444-61-9230
Vicenza Exceptional Family Member Program System's Navigator
DSN 634-7912; comm. 0444-71-7912
Vicenza Acting EFMP Manager for USAG Italy
DSN 634-7401; comm. 0444-71-7401
Darby Army Community Services, Building 504
Darby Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP)
DSN 633-7084; comm. 050-50-7084
Social Sharing