2015.03.11 Autism Speech at All Saints School Sam DeCaria , Founding Director, Honorary Board Member Autism Canada Foundation | AutismCanada.org Fannie DeCaria (Spouse); Giulio (Son), 20 years old; Antonio DeCaria (Son), 18 years old, University of Guelph History • Autism affects 1 in 68 children • It’s 5 times as prevalent in boys • In the 1980s only 1 in 10,000 cases • Autism was first identified in 1943 by Dr. Leo Kanner • Today more than 70 years later we still do not have an acceptable explanation, however, most cases seem to be caused by a combination of risk genes and environmental factors impacting early brain development. • At All Saints School 1 out of 50 students have been diagnosed with Autism. In the year 2000, Giulio was the only autistic student at Father Serra School. Our world is made up of many different kinds of people Just like you, children with autism are very special in many ways. However, we are also all very much alike. All of us pretty much want the same things. We have families, go to school, and have hobbies such as soccer, dance, art, or music. Eventually we will also work and have careers. We all would very much like to have friends. Similar & Different You may notice that some kids with autism, though they may look like other kids. When you meet them you will find they are different in some ways: • They do not reach developmental milestones (e.g. language) like other children. They may have trouble talking, make strange sounds, or do not talk at all. Giulio at five years of age had a one word sentence vocabulary (e.g. water, aqua, pizza, etc.) Some walk on their toes, flap their hands, spin, or laugh a lot. Their eyes will not follow pointing to an object. • It may be hard for them to play, to make friends or to learn new things. They may play or behave differently than other friends; some may be very active or be very quiet and like to spend time alone. • They may have trouble looking directly at you; direct eye contact for them is like bright sunlight in our eyes without sunglasses – too much stimulation. It’s as if all of their sensory receptors are heightened. They feel things very intensely. Sight, smell, hearing, touch. Loud noises are difficult for them. Giulio would cover his ears in movie theaters. Food textures are challenging for them; they are often carbohydrate junkies and desire pizza, chicken fingers, and bread products. • Some may talk too much about a favorite topic. They may do or say the same things over and over again. Giulio would often stare at the spinning wheels of his Thomas the Tank Engine toys.
To this day he will ask his mother and I, “Can we have a conversation?” Without exception it’s always about the same scene in one of his favourite movies like Anchorman or Police Academy. What is Autism and what does it mean? • Autism does not discriminate and occurs in families from every class, culture, and ethnic background. • Autism means “aloneness” or living in one’s own world. • Autism affects the way a person’s brain and body works. It is not a disease and is not contagious. You cannot catch autism from a classmate or friend. • A person with autism may have a hard time communicating with other people, making friends, or following directions. However, with the help of teachers, classmates, families, and friends, children with autism often can find it easier to learn in spite of these challenges. How does Autism affect people? • Autism is considered a spectrum disorder and affects people differently. The spectrum ranges from self-injurious behaviour to savants. • Children with autism may sometimes act in uncommon ways. They often have difficulties in activities that other people find natural, however, they may have strengths in other areas. For example, a child can be very good at math, highly skilled at video games, or even be a great artist. On the other hand, they might have trouble translating their thoughts into words or understanding what others are trying to tell them. • Some children with autism prefer that routines and schedules stay the same or that people always sit in the same seats. They may have a difficult time when things change. o I remember when Giulio was in grade 6. Father Serra School had planned a field trip to the water park at Ontario Place. Unfortunately, on the day of the trip the weather was cold and overcast. The trip was cancelled and Giulio was so upset that he was brought back home sobbing uncontrollably. • For most of us it would feel like attending a show/play with no program to follow. • Teachers and others will give visual clues as to a daily schedule etc. to help them understand what their day will look like. Early Diagnosis • At 18 months of age a diagnosis by an experienced professional can be considered reliable; an early diagnosis is most important. Giulio was diagnosed relatively late in November 1999, prior to his fifth birthday. • Contrary to what you may hear, Autism is treatable and in some cases recovery is possible.
• Left untreated, many autistic children will not develop effective social skills and may not learn to talk or behave appropriately. Very few individuals recover completely from Autism without any intervention. The good news is that there are a wide variety of treatment options which can be very helpful. Some treatments may lead to great improvements, whereas other treatments may have little or no effect. No treatment helps everyone. • Giulio routinely got up in front of his class for presentations or at church to do a reading in a Catholic mass. He always says Grace before our meals in our home. Giulio has a sense of humor. For example, he used to click his mother on and off as if he were handling a remote control. He loves movies and TV shows such as The Simpsons, Flash, American Idol, and the Big Bang Theory. • He is also very well organized and never loses his books unlike his brother, or never forgets to punctually take his vitamins or go to bed and get up at precisely the same time every day, without direction. • He loves the computer and also enjoys swimming, skating, skiing, movies, reading, and is a GoodLife member. He has a happy temperament and is working on building friendships. • He has petit mal seizures, effectively treated with dedication. • Right now he is finishing a 1 year program at George Brown College and he has a great relationship with his brother Antonio. • He takes the bus and subway downtown and back (without assistance) routinely. He also works 2 days a week at Shoppers Drug Mart. A Multi-Disciplinary Approach | AutismCanada.org • Autism Canada promotes medical, nutritional, and behavioral treatments. Awareness and Young Adults • We now have a huge cohort of young autistic adults who are leaving high school and have no place to go. • Randy Lewis & Walgreens (100+ year old company) is a great example of what is possible with a positive and open mindset. o 8,000 stores and 20 distribution centers; 10,000 employees. o 40% 4,000 employees have mental and physical disabilities such as missing limbs, cerebral palsy, and autism. o Walgreens is not a charitable business; they require the same productivity standards for all their employees regardless of disability. o It has been a huge success for the community and for Walgreens’ bottom line.
Young students hold the keys to immense power for positive change. • There is a unique joy in life when you have friends. • Sadly, children with autism are either unable to or struggle to develop deep, meaningful relationships, especially with their peers. • We hope to inspire you to reach out and befriend a child with autism; initially you will have to step out of your comfort zone as these children routinely do so every day. • A “Yes you (they) can” attitude along with compassion and patience will have an infinitely positive impact on a child challenged with autism. • I promise you the rewards will likely be greater for you than for them, they will have an equally influential impact on your lives.
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