Linda McLean
Special to the Record
One in 110 babies is born with autism. A couple of decades ago, the ratio was one in 10,000.
Although this statistic is shocking, the diagnosis for Autism Spectrum Disorder now happens earlier than in the past, and now includes a larger spectrum.
The Comox Valley Child Development Association (CDA) offers programs and services for very young children with autism through the Autism Program (TAP).
Kristin Turriff is the Autism Program manager at the CDA. She acknowledges that the number of children with autism has increased dramatically, but is encouraged that, with early intensive educational intervention, the outcome is improving.
鈥淓arly intervention is the key to success,鈥� she emphasizes. 鈥淎utism is a lifelong disability; however, there is a lot of learning that can minimize its impact. And this learning starts at a very young age.鈥�
One little boy, Brenden, is the poster child for early intervention. His mother, Susan Boutara, was both saddened and relieved when her two-year-old son Brenden was diagnosed with autism.
Sad because her son would now have a life full of extra challenges, disappointments and hard work; relieved because Brenden and the family could now get help, therapy and treatment. Her determination to pursue her instincts had brought results.
Boutara advises new parents to listen to their intuition and hearts if their baby is behaving unusually or development is arrested. 鈥淒on鈥檛 believe that it鈥檚 just a boy being a boy,鈥� she adds.
The research, assessment and referral process was lengthy and tiring, but worth it. After only eight months in treatment at the CVCDA, Brenden has made remarkable progress. His eye contact, social interaction, and transition from one activity to the next has greatly improved.
鈥淥verall, he has made a lot of progress and is acting more like a typical two-year-old,鈥� says Boutara, and she is hopeful for his future. 鈥淚 now see a well-adjusted boy and man.鈥�
The day of this interview, Brenden had hugged Turriff for the 铿乺st time; the joy in everyone was palpable. The physical health, cognitive development, and temperament of children in铿倁ence how they behave and socialize. This in turn impacts the ability to communicate verbally and non-verbally, make friends, and function successfully in social and in many other life situations.
Early Autism Intervention focuses on understanding the environment where the child lives and functions, and then making changes to promote more appropriate behaviour in those environments. The Autism Program provides 10 hours of one-to-one direct teaching each week and six hours of expert behaviour consultation each month. Intervention can be received at home or at the CDA and parents are involved as much as they wish.
Most of the young children in TAP also receive services through the Infant Development Program, Early Intervention Therapy (Speech and Language Pathology, Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy), as well as assistance with accessing enriched daycare and preschool services through the Supported Child Development Program.
Turriff鈥檚 experience has proven to her that people with autism 鈥渃an lead very rich lives.鈥�
Contact Kristin Turriff at the Comox Valley Child Development Association at 250-338-4288, extension 245, if you have any questions or would like more information about the Autism Program.
Linda McLean is a volunteer with the Comox Valley Child Development Association.
