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Note: For a comprehensive list of local autism services, see our Valley Resource Guide listed on the Departments page.
According to Autism Speaks, a New York City based advocacy organization, autism is a complex brain disorder that inhibits a person’s ability to communicate and develop social relationships. It is often accompanied by extreme behavioral challenges.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website (www.cdc.gov) says that people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) might have a wide range of other behaviors associated with the disorder. These include hyperactivity, short attention span, impulsive behavior, aggressiveness, self-injury and temper tantrums. They may have unusual responses to touch, smell, sound and other sensory input.
Other ASDs include Asperger syndrome, Rett syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (usually referred to as PDD-NOS). Statistics show that 1 in 150 babies born today will have autism, and males are four times as likely to have autism as females.
When Brandy Wilmer’s son Ryan, 5, was diagnosed with moderate to severe autism in 2005, she seriously considered relocating to Atlanta to seek help for her child.
Francis Woolfolk also considered relocating when her son John, then 3, was diagnosed with autism. Woolfolk first noticed symptoms when John was 7 months old. He would bang his head against objects. He didn’t talk and he never knew how to play with his toys. When he was frustrated he would bite. “I would be black and blue with bruises. My arms would be covered with bite marks,” Woolfolk recalled. “I was at my wits end. Everyone said I was a bad mother.”
Ultimately, both families made a leap of faith and remained in Columbus. Woolfolk enrolled John in speech therapy at Easter Seals of West Georgia, a day program for children, adolescents and adults with autism and other disabilities.
Woolfolk also took her son to see Dr. David Adams, a Defeat Autism Now! (DAN!) doctor in Cleveland, Tenn. DAN! doctors are trained in a biomedical approach to autism treatment. He suggested supplements and vitamin therapy.
The combined results have been astonishing. While John continues to receive therapy at Easter Seals, his ability to make eye contact and communicate has improved dramatically. Best of all, he no longer bangs his head.
Wilmer also found help for her son Ryan at Easter Seals and in the STEPS program of the Muscogee County School District.
Still, she had to look elsewhere for specialized care. Six months after Ryan’s diagnosis, the family traveled to the renowned Marcus Institute in Atlanta for three weeks of training on behavior therapy in the form of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).
When they returned home, Wilmer set up an in-home ABA program with the Marcus Institute providing ongoing consultations.“That was the turning point,” Wilmer recalled. “Ryan attended the STEPS program during the day and rode the bus to Easter Seals in the afternoon. In the evening he did ABA at home with me.”
For both children, early intervention was the key. Both are currently enrolled in an inclusion Pre-K class at Johnson Elementary and both are thriving.
Much has changed since these two families were confronted with autism. Today, local families have more treatment options and resources to choose from. Because autism is a spectrum disorder, not all autistic children have the same symptoms. An array of services is necessary to provide adequate treatment.
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| For a complete list of autism services available in the Valley area, see our Valley Resource Guide. |
One of the first places parents go when they suspect a developmental delay with their child is Babies Can’t Wait—an early intervention program with the Georgia Division of Public Health. Babies Can’t Wait provides in-home therapy and support for children with autism, as well as other disabilities. Military families can find the same support at Fort Benning Educational & Developmental Intervention Services (EDIS).
Other local services include the Columbus Outreach Clinic run by the Marcus Institute. This monthly clinic provides pediatric neurodevelopmental and psychiatric services.
Also located in the Columbus Pediatric Center is the Southeast Regional Autism Center, a program of the May Institute, which opened November 2007. Here, board-certified behavior analysts provide one-on-one ABA therapy from five to 40 hours per week to young children with autism. They train families how to set up in-home ABA programs and provide oversight of those programs. They also provide screenings to families who are concerned that their child may have autism.
According to Karen Nelson, the Center’s services have made a huge difference in her son’s behavior. Nelson’s son Peyton, 8, was diagnosed with autism when he was 3 years old. He didn’t start talking until he was 5 years old. “We neglected the bad behavior and just focused on the speech,” she explained.
Nelson always wanted to do ABA therapy, but there were no therapists available. So when she heard the Center was coming to Columbus, she was one of the first to sign up. “Peyton’s therapist comes to our house three nights a week and helps us set up a series of steps to do his homework or brush his teeth. She’s gone with us to the barbershop and the grocery store and helped us to get him out into the community.”
Nelson also found help for her son at Bridges Learning Center where he attends part time and during the summer. Bridges Learning Center is a private, year-round day school and summer program. The school serves autistic children from the time of their diagnosis up to age 17.
In January 2008, the Autism Hope Center (AHC) opened the doors to its first program—a research-based, Model Preschool Program. The nationally applauded program was designed by Dr. Caroline Gomez who is also the Center’s executive director.
Housed at Columbus Technical College, the model preschool program operates in partnership with the Muscogee County School District and is open to children within and outside of Muscogee County.
According to Dr. Gomez, the model preschool program will have a far-reaching impact. “The site will provide researchbased intervention while also offering college and university students with invaluable experiences as they prepare for future careers working in the autism community.” Dr. Gomez added, “In addition, the site will serve as a training and observation site for parents and current professionals needing training and support.”
“It’s wonderful that so many things are now available in Columbus,” said Nelson. “Having Bridges and the Southeast Regional Autism Center and the new Autism Hope Center here is wonderful. I haven’t had to use the Marcus Institute yet, but just having it here is fabulous.”
Lisa Jenkins, president of the Muscogee County Autism Support Group, agreed. “No one has all the answers, but together we can find a solution to treat our community,” she said. “Together, we can make a difference.”
If you suspect your child may have autism, talk to your pediatrician.The earlier you seek help the better. Early diagnosis gives care providers an educational opportunity to address symptoms and behaviors.
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