Autism - the child, the parent, and how to cope! Part II

Worldwide it’s estimated that one in 100 children has autism. Some studies have put this figure

as much lower depending on the geographic region. Regardless, as awareness about the

condition grows, more diagnosis is being made. There is no cure for autism. However early

detection can be helpful in mitigating the more long-term effects in kids. Misdiagnosis or plain

misunderstanding may also prove detrimental to autistic children. A child may be subjected to

mental, physical, and verbal/emotional abuse by parents/guardians or peers, who perceive

them as being indolent or ‘weird’. As to what causes autism, there is no definitive answer. It

may stem from genetics or perhaps some environmental factor.

There have been ongoing debates in some corners of autism prevalence being linked to vaccines; however, this view has been rejected as a myth in the official medical fraternity and debunked by scores of studies.

Whatever the root cause may be, autism is among us. Here in Jamaica, it is believed that just

under 700 children are born annually with autism. Of that number, not all will be diagnosed.

Among the genders for every girl, four boys will be diagnosed.

For the households where there is autism, parents and guardians must now deal with it. From

a strictly medical and even legal standpoint, autism is considered a disability. Not every parent

is equipped or so empowered to handle a special needs child. How then can parents deal with

their autistic offspring? What tools, resources, and support are there for these parents to

navigate a path that is sometimes paved with stigma and ignorance? Speaking in 2019 on

PBCJ’s current affairs program Morning Coffee Guest, child development specialist Professor

Maureen Samms-Vaughn outlines support for parents with autistic children. First, she said that

the family is a critical source of support. Family members can provide an emotional and

physical buttress for parents on the verge of feeling overwhelmed. They can babysit children as

an example to give parents a much-needed organizational break away from the home. They can also provide financial aid for what can be mounting medical expenses. Secondly, Professors Samms-Vaughn

that a parent support group can also give invaluable help.

There is growing autism awareness in Jamaica. This is evident in the number of organizations that have cropped up in recent years. Examples of this include the Montego Bay Autism Centre, which specializes in children with autism as well as those with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit

Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD). There is also the Maia Chung Autism and Disabilities Foundation

and the Jamaica Autism Support Association, to name a few.