Another April has rolled around and with it a reminder that this month is National Autism Awareness Month. In 2010 it seems almost impossible that there is anyone, particularly in New Jersey, who is not aware of this “public health challenge”, as the US Health and Human Services Secretary describes it. But this annual Awareness Month designation is an opportunity, as Secretary Sebelius points out, “. . . to rededicate ourselves to addressing the complex needs of people with autism and their families.”
Though broad-stroke efforts such as raising awareness and lobbying for funding are certainly necessary, there is the danger that “the cause” can become de-personalized in the process. Already we have seen pushback regarding former Gov. Corzine’s proposal to open an Office of Autism Services within the state Department of Human Services. The concern expressed by some in the wider developmental disabilities community is that this will create in New Jersey a two-tiered system of services and weaken the focus on special needs other than autism.
While advocacy groups, legislators and task forces negotiate goals and strategies to address this modern public health crisis, for individuals and families affected by autism the challenges are daily, all-consuming and personal. Autism has become personal to me as I try to support my daughter in her efforts to find the most effective combination of therapies for her 3-year-old son. I stand in admiration of her ability to cope with a condition that is difficult to diagnose and define and for which there is presently no cure and no single best treatment.
Autism is obviously personal, too, for the families who come together each month for the FACES Autism Support Network meetings at Ocean Academy in Cape May Court House. The child care provided at these evening meetings allows the children an opportunity for socialization and enables family members to share knowledge, frustrations and triumphs in their daily struggle to secure the best quality of life for their children.
The headlines and sound bytes regarding autism, particularly during this month of Autism Awareness, will most likely continue to address the broad issues of research, funding and political positioning, and that’s okay. But hopefully the very personal impact of this particular disability on so many families in our state and our nation is the message that will prevail.
DID YOU KNOW?
• The NJ Governor’s Council for Medical Research and Treatment of Autism has been mandated to create a Center of Excellence in Autism “. . .where basic and applied biomedical research, diagnosis and treatment for autism shall take place.” Members of the autism community are encouraged to submit suggestions and recommendations to Michael A. Gallo Jr, PhD, the Executive Director of the Governor’s Council (PO Box 364, Trenton, NJ 08625; or mike.gallo@doh.state.nj.us)
• ASD: Focus on the Family is a one-day conference at La Salle University, which will speak directly to the concerns of families that include those on the Autistic Spectrum. The conference will be held April 30 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. For information call Lavinia Awosanya at 609-518-1259
• A brochure designed to assist families and professionals in identifying and responding to the potential for seizure disorders in children and adults with autism and epilepsy is available at www.autismfamilyservicesnj.org or by calling 800-376-2345.
• A one-day workshop on Inclusive Recreation is being offered on April 23 at Children’s Specialized Hospital in Mountainside. Registration check-in is at 8 a.m.; the workshop runs from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. For more information contact Patricia Swartz, NJ Department of Community Affairs, PO Box 811, Trenton, NJ 08625.
• FACES Autism, a United Way funded support network in South Jersey, meets in Cape May County on the first Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at Ocean Academy on Crest Haven Road in Court House. FACES is seeking to form a Teen/Adult Social Group for families and individuals in Cape May County. For information, contact Mary Ann (609-641-1877) or David (822-7036) or e-mail facesautism@yahoo.com.
• A grass-roots initiative, Help Spread Autism Awareness in Cape May County, is holding a free event on April 25 beginning at noon at Shelter No. 3 in the Cape May County Park/Zoo. For information contact Dan Miles (972-5518) or Bernadette Eichenhofer (972-3152).
• An informative publication, Medicaid & Its Important Role in Funding Services and Supports for Individuals with Autism, published by Autism NJ is available through the Cape May County Office of Disability Services. To request a copy, contact Paulann Pierson at 609-465-4117 Ext. 28.
Pierson is the Coordinator of the Cape May County Office of Disability Services
Cape May – Governor Murphy says he doesn't know anything about the drones and doesn't know what they are doing but he does know that they are not dangerous. Does anyone feel better now?
