April is National Autism Awareness month, So, I am campaigning by raising a platform of awareness to find a cure and ease our knowledge, alertness, mindfulness, recognition and sensibility on the most avoided topic within us – Our perception on Autism.
What is Autism? It is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life and affects a person’s ability to communicate and interact with others. Autism is defined by a certain set of behaviors and is a “spectrum disorder” that affects individuals differently and to varying degrees. There is no known single cause of autism, but increased awareness and funding can help families today.
In March 2012, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued their ADDM autism prevalence report. The report concluded that the prevalence of autism had risen to 1 in every 88 births in the United States and almost 1 in 54 boys. The spotlight shown on autism as a result of the prevalence increase opens opportunities for the nation to consider how to serve these families facing a lifetime of supports for their children.
So, you noticed a child has Lack of or delay in spoken language, Repetitive use of language and/or motor mannerisms (e.g., hand-flapping, twirling objects), Little or no eye contact, Lack of interest in peer relationships, Lack of spontaneous or make-believe play or Persistent fixation on parts of objects..
Chances are you know an autistic child or have encountered one somewhere. It’s not easy knowing what to do or how to respond to the quirks (or outbursts) of an autistic child. Public tantrums are par for the course with children. How many of us have seen a kid have an outburst while their embarrassed parents try to get control? Well, ratchet that up a couple of notches for autistic kids. Their tantrums can get rough. Don’t …gape and stare at the child and parent, saying “Can you believe that kid?” faces. And especially don’t make comments or tell the parent, “Can’t you control your kid?” Just go about your business. Or if you catch the eye of the child’s caregiver, just flash a smile. It can work wonders.
You haven’t met anyone so unique and exceptional until you encounter a special need child. Their love is pure, genuine and transparent. You see through their little eyes rays of hope and unquestionable bewilderment.
So, instead of starring at the “un-believable sight or scene, why not give emotional support. Be that imaginary horse to be ridden on or be their knight in shinning armor who sings of their praises, it helps build their confidence. Reach out this month – to a special need child.
(Dedicated to all my 75 Autistic children – well, “my caseload children” from over 10 years! – ‘Lighting it BLUE for you this month!)
#Love you all for real!
Yinka.
Moving Forward With Yinka 
2014 AUTISM WALK: Citizens Bank Park
Fall 2014
Join Autism Speaks as we walk to change the future for all who struggle with autism!
Walk Now for Autism Speaks is a fun-filled, family friendly event and is our single most powerful force to fund vital research that will lead us to the answers we need. Experience the power of thousands united by a single cause by joining Walk Now for Autism Speaks. Autism is the fastest-growing serious developmental disorder in the U.S. – we need more volunteers to join our fight. Whether this is your first walk or the 10th, take the first step and register today. You will not only raise funds, but you will become a part of a fun and supportive family-focused community.
http://www.walknowforautism.com
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Anthonia, awesome write up on the way we see and address autism. I’ve been a speech therapist for almost 15 years and has encounter a lot of difficulty with the behavior of people around family or children with special needs, it’s not the best when you’re overlooked while trying to put up with giving the best outcome, all to make your special needs child thrive. Thanks for breaking it down, you make our work easy Simply By Allowing Them To Have A voice. Keep the fire burning.
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Thanks Louisa, :))
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Dear Yinka, thank you for sharing with ease such a “tragic” issue about autism. Yes, I call it tragic because I have a 10 year old boy who has Asperger’s/ PDD autism – and for us, it has been a struggle from the very beginning of it.
Our culture alone does not embrace such ailment – to most of my family members back home and those around us, it is regarded as mental health or an heredity curse. I know my first 3 years raising my boy amongst 4 girls, my in-laws probably thought it was some kind of curse on my head.
But God has been faithful, we were connected to a team of dedicated therapists and since then been able to follow up with IEP meetings, speech, OT services for me. He is doing great now, and I know God’s work on him is a gradual process. I am expectant of the greater things coming his way.
Yinka, for loving this children un-conditionally – I really do appreciate it. For even thinking about discussing it openly, especially among us Nigerians who have serious problem with helping each other with our strengths – I respect you.
I am looking forward to next Autism walk, and I know I will see you there again – with your lovely family at the walk. thank you again for setting our perception right.
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This is a wonderful comment from a man of God. Please it is real Jesus is the answer. He who says there no evil or generational curses Let such person deny the power of healing with Jesus Name. We people we worship the Name of Jesus with our mouth but not with our heart. To some they will try everything except Jesus Christ. Let continue to use the Name of Jesus.it works and I am a living witness including whosoever call the name of Jesus. Satan you are a liar. No weapon that is fashion against us shall prosper. Worldly physicians are trying but JESUS is the HEALER OF MY BODY SOUL AND SPIRIT. AMEN AND AMEN IN JESUS NAME.
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Dear A, Thank you. It is so good to hear from you and know that you are coping very well with the situation at hand. I am excited that your son has made great progress in his development – that you can overlook all the side distractions of life and what not; and focus only on him to get the best therapy can offer. You are doing a great job, and I really admire your passion. Hoping everyone out there with a special need child can openly discuss it and carry each other along – again, especially within our culture. And yes, we’ll all be at the Citizens park again late summer for the Autism walk – will definitely look out for you.
moving forward with you!
much love..
Yinka
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please let us do the research if eradication of smoking, drinking alcohol and extra marital or teen illicit sex can have impact on the demonic autistic behavior? If so repentance and closely intimate with the only book of life THE BIBILE CAN CURE THE DEMONIC AUTISTIC BEHAVIOR FROM THE INNOCENT BABY. DO YOU EVER SEEN A PREGNANT MOTHER SMOKING ? WHAT OUT. ANOTHER PARACURE IS EARLY INTERVENTION AND IAM RECCOMMENDING CHILD LINK PREVENTIVE MEASURE. WHILE WE ARE SYMPATHIZING WITH INNOCENT BABIES AND THERE FAMILY LET US CONTINUE TO PRAY AND ACT. I AM NOT EXCLUDED. THANK YOU.AND WHEN I SAY PRAY PLEASE START WITH GENUINE REPENTANCE AND USE THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST. JESUS IS A HEALER THAT DOES NOT CONDEMN ANY ONE. AND END EACH PRAYER WITH IN THE NAME OF JESUS AND SAY AMEN.
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Totally agree with you, Early Intervention is the best approach to help with special needs children- no pity party discussion, just preventive measure through therapy. Thank you sir.
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Yinka,I admire your passion and commitment to children with autism. You truly are passionate about what you do,and it exudes in your life outside of work. Keep it up girl!!!!!
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Thanks Miggie :))
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