Autism Spectrum Disorder (PSA)
The puzzle piece thing is not working
Autism has no known cause.
The optimism to find a cure is commendable.
Many ASD parents have subscribed to the thought process that if and when scientists discover the missing puzzle piece, then everything will be all right. A lot of parents are still waiting. Some hopped-off that train of thought and followed a different path of illumination. Sadly, other parents just give up, at times ending their narratives or assigning their child to other caregivers who are able and willing.
Is there a solution for ASD?
Information from the CDC:
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
- Discrete Trial Training (DTT)
- Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention (EIBI)
- Early Start Denver Model (ESDM)
- Pivotal Response Training (PRT)
- Verbal Behavior Intervention (VBI)
Assistive Technology
Assistive technology, including devices such as communication boards and electronic tablets, the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) uses picture symbols to teach communication skills. Other individuals may use a tablet as a speech-generating or communication device.
Developmental, Individual Differences, Relationship-Based Approach (also called “Floortime”)
Floortime focuses on emotional and relational development (feelings and relationships with caregivers). It also focuses on how the child deals with sights, sounds, and smells.
Treatment and Education of Autistic and related Communication-handicapped CHildren (TEACCH)external icon
TEACCH uses visual cues to teach skills. For example, picture cards can help teach a child how to get dressed by breaking information down into small steps.
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy teaches skills that help the person live as independently as possible. Skills may include dressing, eating, bathing, and relating to people.
Social Skills Training
Social skills training teaches children the skills they need to interact with others, including conversation and problem-solving skills.
Speech Therapy
Speech therapy helps to improve the person’s communication skills. Some people are able to learn verbal communication skills. For others, using gestures or picture boards is more realistic.
Visit the Autism Speaksexternal icon, Autism Societyexternal icon, or National Center for Child Health and Human Developmentexternal icon website to read more about these therapies.
There are other methods and techniques to help you with your child. But please remember that success (minimal or optimal results) of therapies and additional methods are not indicative of a parent’s failure or success.
You may be putting all the puzzle pieces together, and yet it may seem like it fits, but the desired picture (optimal result) is out of reach.
It’s not your child’s fault. Equally, it’s not yours either.
This may sound simplistic: Acceptance is key.
As ASD parents, when we do our best, but it seems like it’s not good enough, we get frustrated and assign blame at times. It’s okay to feel bad or sad. But the blame game has no winners.
Instead of finding our child’s missing puzzle, we (ASD parents) should look into ourselves and appreciate all of the things we discover about ourselves.
Perhaps because of our child’s situation, we’ve gained more patience, gained more knowledge in general. Maybe we’ve discovered our passion, strengthened our bond with our spouses and children. Built and developed strong relationships with the ASD community, our kid’s teachers, and therapists.
A social worker delivered the hardest pill I had to swallow:
“Your child is the type of kid that you have to take care for the rest of his life.”
That was the medicine I needed to understand my situation and enlighten my dark days fully.
My child was diagnosed with Autism and Intellectual Disability.
I had to accept my child for who he is. I long for the day to hear him say, “Hi, Dad,” for the first time. As much as it pains me to feel that it might not happen, I cherish his gaze at me, letting me know that he needs me as much as I need him.
It saddens me to know that I kept looking for that puzzle (my child’s ability to speak and be independent), and I’ve accepted the truth that I’ve been holding to that piece all along. It was not missing.
There is nothing missing with him. He knew it. It just took some time for me to find out that acceptance is the missing puzzle piece I was searching for.
The truth is, as long we have love in hearts, we will always find the solution.
