About Austism

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects at least 1 in 500 children and adults and the numbers are growing. It affects a person's ablility to communicate, form relationships with others and respond appropriately to the environment. Some people with autism are relatively high-functioning, with speech and intelligence intact. Others are mentally retarded, mute or have serious language delays. For some, autism makes them closed off and shut down; others seem locked into repetitive behaviors and rigid patterns of thinking. Although the symptoms typically appear in the first three years of life, it is a life long disability. Every individual is different, but autism is characterized in most adult people by:

1. Inability to communicate effectively - These adults lack an understanding of the nuances of language. Their language is very literal. Sometimes there is no language at all.
2. Lack of social skills - Most autistic adults have no appreciation of the codes of behavior, of others' personal space or social boundaries.
3. Ritual - Many adults with autism have very ritualized behaviors. Routines become very important and rigid.
4. This all leads to an inability to make and keep friends, an inability to find and hold jobs, and an inability to express themselves.
5. This, in turn, leads to frustration, anxiety, withdrawal and depression.

The majority of adults with autism need lifelong training, ongoing supervision and reinforcement of skills. The public schools' responsibility for providing these services ends when the person is 21 years old. Thus, the needs of autistic adults are, in part:

1. Speech/Communication programs - these may include computer language programs, sign language, portable icon/"picture" booklets and/or "etiquette" training
2. Vocational training and job coaches - to help autistic adults find and hold jobs to help them become productive members of our community
3. Assistive living arrangements - group homes, apartments with appropriate staffing and skilled support services
4. Nutritional guidance - much of the contemporary research is showing links between what these children and adults eat, what they take in, and how they behave, how their brains take in their environment
5. Psychological therapy - to help these adults deal with their anxieties, depression and frustrations

This where FAP is working toward making a difference: FAP raises awareness of the facts that...

• Adults with autism do not have any suppports after they reach age 21.
• FAP is a pioneer in advocating for services needed for adults with autism in CT. perhaps in the U.S
• Congressman Shays has shown an interest in the cause. He attended a recent awareness raising event at JEAN LOUIS in Greenwich.
• It takes years to effect change. Therefore parents with autistic children are encouraged to join FAP. With numbers more influence can be exerted on the authorities.

Together, Friends of Autistic People can implement change within the community -- and thus change the lives of our loved ones.

To join us, call 203-661-8510 or send an email to bridaranyi@aol.com.

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