Huntsville, AL (PRWEB) April 23, 2014
April is Autism Awareness Month but for Jeff and Nancy Karkut and their son Trae, every day is autism awareness.
When a preschool teacher suggested Trae might have Asperger's Syndrome, Jeff resisted the diagnosis. His wife already had recognized some developmental delays in their son, but Jeff was basically in denial.
After years of following medical advice to cope with their son's repetitive behavior, isolation, anger and social inhibition, the parents reluctantly turned to The Pinnacle School's Elk River Treatment Program. (Read the familys personal journey with autism at http://www.thepinnacleschools.com/testimonials/.)
"I cannot begin to tell you how glad I am to have brought my son to this program," Jeff Karkut says today. "This is not a trip to Malibu or some fancy resort. But these are people who have the skill to help your child do things they never thought they could."
Asperger's Syndrome is now more widely known as Autism Spectrum Disorder. On the 2nd and throughout April, autism organizations around the world participate in fundraising and awareness-raising events. The Autism Society is encouraging homes and businesses to "Light It Up Blue" that day with blue lights, and take note of Autism Month throughout April. Individuals can show support by wearing blue.
The Autism Society and affiliate organizations strive to shed light on a developmental disability that affects more than 1.5 million people in the U.S.
Parents can begin watching for signs of ASD even in babies. They include a lack of big smiles or joyful expressions by six months or later; no babbling by 12 months or words by 16 months; no pointing, waving, reaching or showing by 1 year; or a loss of speech or social skills at any age.
The term autism describes a group of developmental brain disorders known more specifically as autism spectrum disorders, which include social and behavioral issues, social challenges and repetitive behavior. The number of children on this autism spectrum is now estimated to be 1 in 88. Improved diagnostic techniques can account for only part of a 1,000 percent increase in the past 40 years. Boys are three to four times more likely to have ASD.
While some people with ASD have exceptional skill in math, music and art, the syndrome is also associated with intellectual disabilities and physical challenges such as sleep disturbances, gastrointestinal problems and motor coordination issues.
See the article here:
The Pinnacle Schools Celebrates Autism Awareness Month