TV Series Parenthood Raises Autism Awareness

I wrote about the show Parenthood, when it first came on. Now, several shows into this new series, and I am still watching it. Adam (Peter Krause, "Six Feet Under"), the oldest Braverman sibling, and his wife Kristina (Monica Potter, "Trust Me") are adjusting well with their son Max (Max Burkholder, "Brother and Sisters"), who was recently diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome.

In last night’s episode, Adam’s father, Zeek (Craig T. Nelson, "Family Stone," "Coach"), moves in with the family. It was interesting to watch the dynamics between father/son, and grandfather/grandson. One very poignant scene was when Craig T. Nelson’s character describes what it s like living with his son’s family. He said that Max ruled the house.

It was obvious that he didn’t approve. Here is a man that was used to having everything revolve around him. He was in charge of the household when his kids were growing up. Now, he is in his son’s house, and their schedule and lives revolve around Max. Then he saw what happens when the schedule is disrupted. He realized how important predictability can be for a child on the spectrum.

For an outsider to come into a home with an autistic child, it could be like walking into another world. Face it, we do a lot of adjusting for our child. It gets to the point that it is easier for the family to do that. Then, over time, it becomes natural. Seeing things from the grandfather’s point of view, reminded me why my parents sometimes have a difficult time watching my son. Especially, since my son is nonverbal. When he is upset, he has an extremely difficult time communicating with his communication device. I try to make sure my parents know all of his triggers, but I always miss a few or they forget.

I think the writers are doing a great job with this show. I believe that the more people that watch it, the more they will understand what our lives are like. So, if you are not watching this show, DO SO.

A Label Doesn't Change The Child

Jean Myles, www.MommyToTwoBoys.blogspot.com, shares her story with me and my readers via an email interview. Thank you, Jean.

1. When was your three year old diagnosed?


Jaylen was diagnosed at 18 months.


2. Receiving a diagnosis at such a young age is great. Are you receiving Early Intervention services?


At 18 months Jaylen was getting a specialist to the house once a week and we quickly realized it wasn't enough. So he began ABA - DTT five days a week for an hour and a half. Then when he turned 3 he started an integrated PreK program run by special ed certified teachers where he also receives Speech, OT, and PT.


3. If so, can you explain what they are to my readers?


Oops, just did that above :)


4. Would you mind telling my readers a little bit about your child?


Jaylen was completely non verbal until 2, but now has a vast vocabulary, almost above age level. He still has some issues answering questions, and has instant and delayed echolalia at times.

He is very hyperactive, especially when there is a change in routine or he is overstimulated. He used to have very little eye contact and rarely responded to his name, but now does both more often than not.

Jaylen has emotional problems, mostly anxiety and cries often when frustrated or not sure of something. He also has very little empathy and can not "read" people. He used to have up to ten 30 minute or longer tantrums per day, but know has only 1 or 2 a week.

Sensory issues have become worse over time. He likes to squeeze into tight places, use a weighted blanket, and carry heavy objects.

He has difficulty playing with toys appropriately and to this point has no idea how to interact with other children other than to chase them and repeat what they say. However, he is getting good at turn taking games at home.

Jaylen is very bright, some of his teachers have even mentioned the term savant to me. Numbers, shapes, and letters are his favorite thing and he can easily become consumed in any activity involving them.


5. What has been the biggest help for you in obtaining information about autism, therapies and treatments?


The biggest help for us was his first placement. His coordinator, teachers, and therapists at his ABA school were just amazing. They were so involved in Jaylen's development. Since leaving that placement I have found several websites and mom's groups online that really help. A few books have also been helpful in reading about treatments and tips.


6. What has been your family's reaction to your child being diagnosed with autism?


The first day we were told something wrong was very tough to hear. Being a former teacher though, my husband and I both knew something wasn't right. But hearing it from someone else was hard to handle. The label didn't change him though. He is still the same kid, our same little boy, just now we know what is wrong and work hard to help him the best we can.

Inspiring Story Of A Single Mom Raising An Autistic Son

I would like to introduce you to Karen, a single mom, raising an autistic son. Here is my interview with her.

1. What were your concerns about your son that led you to get him evaluated for autism?
Autism wasn’t on my mind. I was concerned with his lack of communicating verbally.

2. How did the diagnosis affect you and your family?
I am a single mom. I was divorced before I found out. First, I was devastated, then angry. After that, I was ready to fight to help him overcome his obstacles.

3. Did you receive Early Intervention Services? If so, how did they help or not help your son?
Basically, no. He just got speech therapy, and I had to fight like you wouldn’t believe to receive it.

4. Now that your son is 14, how has he progressed?
He is very independent, outgoing and willing to try new things. I had to develop my own therapy and intervention for him to get this far. It seems like I did everything for him by myself. I have never felt so alone.

5. What concerns do you have now that he is closer to being an adult?
Will he be able to take care of himself if something happens to me? Will he find the right job, will he be accepted?

6. What are a couple of the hardest things you have had to deal with?
Finding the right education for him (not totally successful) and intervention services.

7. What are a couple of great moments with your child?
Seeing him smile and the confidence he has. Learning the electric guitar, karate, soccer, baseball and the confidence to achieve.

8. How do you handle the financial difficulties associated with raising an autistic child? It’s very hard. I do the best I can.

9. He was diagnosed at age two and didn't receive early intervention(except sp). Is this because of the long waiting lists to receive services? Did he age out of early intervention services before being able to receive them?
I was not told about any programs except the pre k with the school system. I pulled him out of it was useless..

10. What kind of obstacles have you had to face with the public school system?
Getting him in the right programs and getting the services he needed. He is in private school now and getting services he was denied in the public school system.

11. Do you have or have you tried, any special diets or supplements with your son?
Yes, supplements.

12. Do you have a support group or any type of support system to help you?
No I do not. It’s just Jesus and me.

New NBC Show Parenthood With Asperger Character

8:00 PM Saturday evening came around and I was complaining, again, that there was nothing on television to watch. Most of the channels play old shows on Saturday. That’s when I noticed that there was a new show on NBC called Parenthood. Apparently, it’s been on for a little while and I never noticed.

Keep in mind, I have only watched the one episode. I still don’t have all the character names down or who all the actors are. The two that I recognized immediately were Craig T. Nelson and Lauren Graham. The show is basically about families. You have Craig T. Nelson as the father/grandfather, his grown up children and their families.

What hit close to home with me was the introduction of a child that was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome in that episode. The father was in denial. The mom was struggling with what she could do to help her child. They had dinner with a family that had a teenage boy with Asperger and the couple was totally out over the top with their approach to treatment. They recommended doing everything at once to help their son. I was like, yeah,

right. Craig T. Nelson’s character gave the advice that they needed to have a plan. Everything can be handled if you just have a plan.

I felt the confusion of the parents. I felt the frustration of the young boy that was not understood. The parents pulled some strings and got in to see a behavior specialist. This specialist confirmed that their child did have Asperger Syndrome. The first thing the father wanted to know was how to cure it. I understand this. My first instinct when my son was diagnosed, was to fix the situation. It was a blow to realize that I couldn’t and I could relate to the father when he realized that he couldn’t

They ended the episode with the father accepting his son and entering his world. It was a nice moment to watch. I look forward to watching more episodes and seeing how these characters develop and the storylines progress. It’s nice to see a show with a child on the spectrum.