A short explanation on a complex diagnosis: Autism. It is a spectrum disorder, and although it is defined by a certain set of behaviors, children and adults with autism can exhibit any combination of these behaviors in any degree of severity. Two children, both with the same diagnosis, can act completely different from one another and have varying capabilities. You may hear different terms used to describe children within this spectrum, but more important than the term used to describe autism is understanding that whatever the diagnosis, children with autism can learn and function normally and show improvement with appropriate treatment and education. Every person with autism is an individual, and like all individuals, has a unique personality and combination of characteristics. Some individuals who are mildly affected may exhibit only slight delays in language and greater challenges with social interactions. They may have difficulty initiating and/or maintaining a conversation. Their communication is often described as talking at others instead of to them (e.g., monologue on a favorite subject that continues despite attempts by others to interject comments).
There are also many myths and misconceptions about autism. Contrary to popular belief, many children with autism do make eye contact; it just may be less often or different from a typical child. Many children with autism can develop good functional language and others can develop some type of communication skills, such as sign language or use of pictures. Children do not "outgrow" autism, but symptoms may lessen as the child develops and receives treatment. One of the most devastating myths about children with autism is that they cannot show affection. While sensory stimulation is processed differently in some children, they can and do give affection. However, it may require patience on the parents' part to accept and give love in the child's terms.
Christian Mast attends Sodus Primary School with his friend, Jetta. Jetta is a 16 month old Golden Retriever who has been fully trained by Four Paws Four Ability, an organization based in Ohio. (www.4pawsforability.org) Specializing in training service dogs, they supply the most autism service dogs in the United States. Trained in search and rescue, as well as behavior management, Jetta is Christian’s best friend and lifeline to the world at large.
Research has found children with autism react well to animals like Jetta. They often are unable to focus on the task at hand, are violent and become obsessive in their thinking when their awareness is transfixed on an object. Christian has an obsession with animals, so this was a blessing in disguise. When Christian is tethered to Jetta, she improves his social skills, making him aware of the people and events happening around him. When Christian is feeling erratic or exhibiting high energy, Jetta knows instinctively to lay on top of him to calm him down. She will lick his face and even slow down his breathing to bring him to a state where Christian is able to communicate more easily.
Christian’s mother, Erin, learned about dogs like Jetta when researching information to educate herself about autism. Finding Four Paws For Ability began an extensive search for the right animal for her son, as well as beginning the fundraising of funds needed to purchase her. Dogs like Jetta cost $14,000 to pay for the raising and training, and are placed with the family until they can no longer work. Then a search will begin again for a new ‘friend.’ She was placed with the Mast family when she was three years old, but many dogs can be placed as young as one year old.
An interesting and unique way to fundraise came in the form of a book, ‘written’ by Christian himself, based upon an experience he had one summer morning. He had accidentally wiped soap in his eye after his mother had asked him to wash his hands after handling a frog. His recounting of the experience resulted in a children’s book illustrated by Sodus Elementary art teacher Lisa Daniels, titled “Attack of the Killer Dinosaur Frogs.” A modern day fish tale, a common tree frog grows into 2 dinosaur frogs all while on a trip to the emergency room. You can purchase his book at www.lulu.com/content/4058717.
Erin is also a Parent Resource Specialist for the Advocacy Center, and runs a support group in Sodus. April was Autism Awareness month, but any month of the year is appropriate to educate those who are not familiar with Autism and the effects it has on a family and the child itself.
In Jetta, Christian’s family have found a unique link to their son, and an ability to hug him and hold him close. They are thankful for every day and the impact this furry friend has had on their lives.
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