NO MATTER WHAT (AUTISM) BY SANDY HOWARTH

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Foreword                                                                                                                                                                                                       

This has been written to enlighten the public of the immense struggles that individuals and families of Autism and related disorders are faced with. In explaining mental development Autism is observed alongside typical development to further demonstrate the bizarre nature of the condition. Research suggests that the human mind and nervous system remain plastic for a longer period than previously believed and that individuals with Autism are known to develop cognitively throughout their lives.

Autism is not an easy subject to explain to people as the Autistic thinking would seem almost incomprehensible to people who have not come into contact with an Autistic person. It takes time to understand it fully as it is a spectrum disorder where the individual with Autism could fit in anywhere within the spectrum.

This book offers support and guidance to families in recognising the expected challenges and suggests ways on how to help our children achieve their true potential. Advice is offered in dealing with typical day to day situations, dealing with education and developing skills, while gaining an insight into the subject of Autism. In recognising a need to project awareness of Autism and it’s complexities, I have explained the true meaning of Autism and included effective strategies used in coping and dealing with the condition.

Realising my son Steven’s needs I taught myself the skills required to teach him. These included Speech & Language Therapy, Physical Therapy, Play Therapy and Behaviour Therapy. To manage Autism, learn to first accept Autism, think positively and act positively. Learn to love your child unconditionally, "No matter what’' the diagnosis is. This is your child. A positive outlook will gain you the strength, to assist your child in every way. In recognising your acceptance your child will seek assurance from you, which will in turn help create a greater bond between you and your child

Suggestions are offered to parent(s) who need to find time for themselves too. This will be a hard task at first which can be achieved through patience and perseverance. To bring about achieving any form of progress it is essential to make every obstacle a challenge and treat each step forward as a milestone. Your efforts will offer you the comfort of knowing that you have given your child a chance to reach their maximum potential. Autistic children vary in their behaviour, their level of intelligence and their ability to communicate. Nevertheless, they all fit into the broad Autistic spectrum and they all need help and support.

In the event that your child does not reach the level that you had expected, you can still be assured that you have done the best for your child. It is extremely difficult, almost impossible to predict the future of our children, but what you can do is to work on it now. It is never too late.