From the Parents: Myths about Autism and How You Can Help

This year’s workshop aimed to “Educate, Empower and Enlighten a Community on Autism.” Speakers included Lynn Gosser, Director of the Grant Co. Special Education Coop., Chris Bohn, Child Services Coordinator for Grant Co. Special Education Coop., and Dr. Lori Goss-Reaves, Director of School Based Services at FSSI.

Workshop attendees learned that 1 in 68 individuals are identified on the Autism Spectrum and early intervention is critical, but perhaps the most memorable part of the workshop was the parent panel. 9 local parents of children with autism volunteered to join the parent panel and accepted questions from the audience.

We need to know someone else is watching out for him.” – Parent Panel Member

When asked how teachers can help, one parent responded, “we need to know someone else is watching out for him.” Another parent smiled as she shared that a teacher’s commitment  to educate her son’s peers about autism has resulted in the students accepting and embracing her son. One of the biggest things a teacher can do to help, according to the parent panel, is maintain regular communication between home and school.

One member of the audience asked the parent panel to discuss some of the myths surrounding autism that they have encountered. Below are some of the parents’ responses:

• Higher functioning does not mean there aren’t symptoms
• For teachers: Children with autism are excellent multi-taskers.
• Individuals with autism are thought to not be affectionate, but that isn’t true.
• Low functioning DOES NOT EQUAL low intelligence

The dialogue between the audience and parent panel was filled with both heartache and hope, but mostly hope. Workshop attendees were encouraged to find ways they can support children with autism, along with their parents and service providers. “Maybe I can relieve 1/1,000 of the stress parents experience,” shared Chris Bohn.