Autism awareness, treatment options increase in area

Alex Shrimplin is 4 years old.

He likes drawing with sidewalk chalk, music and dancing, and gives bear hugs with surprising strength. He was diagnosed with autism at age 3.

The Shrimplin family moved to Cape Girardeau from Columbus, Ohio, about two years ago, before Alex's diagnosis. Upon receiving the news, his mother Carmen instantly began her research.

"So I went from knowing absolutely nothing to, 'How can I help my son?'" she said.

The rate of autism continues to rise -- as many as one in 68 children are now diagnosed to fall within the spectrum, according to the most recent data released by the Centers for Disease Control. As more children are being diagnosed, more services and therapies are being made available to families dealing with the disorder. This is no different in Southeast Missouri, where programs, services and qualified teachers and therapists have increased dramatically in the last decade. Several activities were held in April to bring awareness and opportunities to those dealing with autism.

Jaime Norrenberns helps Alex Shrimplin open an easter egg during a one-on-one visit Thursday, April 17, at Alex's Cape Girardeau home. The activity was meant to help Alex, who is autistic, understand what an easter egg hunt is in preparation for Easter. Children with autism often need to learn things through repetition that other children don't require. Norrenberns, a senior at Southeast Missouri State University, has been working with children with autism as a volunteer for five years and co-founded Assist with Autism at Southeast. (Adam Vogler)

For the Shrimplins, a book recommended by a friend led Carmen to The Son-Rise Program, provided through the Autism Treatment Center of America. Shrimplin said she called for a free consultation and ultimately decided to attend a weeklong training session in

Massachusetts. There, she met parents from around the world who shared their insights with her as they went through the rigorous training.

During the session, parents learned how to recruit volunteers for the home-based, child-centered program. Son-Rise is designed to help children with autism improve in learning, development and communication by focusing on what motivates each child.

After discussing the matter with her husband, Shrimplin said they decided to start their recruiting efforts at Southeast Missouri State University. Armed with DVDs, informational booklets and other materials, she started with the programs for early childhood development and eventually worked her way to a department focused on special needs and autism.

Since October, student volunteers have come to the Shrimplin home nearly every day to work with Alex. Most plan to enter a career in which they will work with those with autism, but not all. On weekends, students from the university's music department come to sing songs or play instruments, something that excites Alex.

"So we learn songs, and I've got a few instruments around and we wear goofy costumes," said Shrimplin. "[We do that] so he's making eye contact and will be motivated to try and learn. It's been working."

She said her son is happy and affectionate, but needs help with language and social skills. Through play, volunteers encourage Alex to engage and interact with them -- making eye contact is especially important. Those on the autism spectrum -- which ranges from high-functioning to severe -- often experience social interaction difficulties, communication challenges and tend to engage in repetitive behaviors, such as flapping their arms.

In just a few months, Shrimplin said she's seen a difference in her son. She believes she might be the only parent in Southeast Missouri using the Son-Rise program, but hopes to see that change.

"It gave me hope; it gave me tools," she said of the program. "They tell you, 'You are the No. 1 advocate for your child.' It's absolutely the best thing that's happened to us. I can tailor the program to whatever is best for him."

But Shrimplin doesn't rely solely on Son-Rise. After speaking with parents at the training session, she started Alex on a gluten-free diet. Although it requires more work -- a thorough checking of labels in the grocery store and limited restaurant options -- Shrimplin said the change has made her son more focused.

And when Alex heads off to school for the day, the support continues. He's a student at Clippard Elementary, and Shrimplin said the entire staff has been helpful.

Angela Kester Schott is the in-district autism coach for Cape Girardeau public schools. She said teachers and administrators in the district work well together to address needs for autistic students. Since she started in 2010, Kester Schott said she's seen many changes the way schools handle it; the biggest shift probably is stronger consideration given to the social aspect of autism spectrum disorders.

"Children that struggle socially with peers, adults, in social interactions -- years ago, that didn't fall under the 'education guidelines,'" she said. "Today school districts, Cape especially, have been awesome in recognizing that in order to produce productive citizens -- which is our goal -- children must develop socially as well as academically to become a well-rounded student."

She said they've learned to pinpoint social inadequacies in elementary children with autism and help work through them before they move to middle school and junior high.

Although students with autism sometimes require one-on-one assistance, Kester Schott said most remain in the general education classroom where they're "better served." Students with more severe autism -- who are nonverbal or have other characteristics that adversely affect their education -- receive more of that one-on-one help. But those with higher-functioning autism spend more than 80 percent of their school day in a regular classroom, she said.

The reason these students can be in regular classrooms is because teachers work with Kester Schott to understand the needs of each child and make adjustments. Teachers also are offered resources and professional development days to better understand the issue, she said.

Those who have recently graduated from Southeast seem particularly well-informed, Kester Schott said. The university recently started offering autism classes, and students can receive special certification after completing the courses.

Cape Girardeau public schools also work with other autism programs in the area, such as the Southeast Missouri State University Autism Center for Diagnosis and Treatment. It provides diagnostic evaluations, assessments, therapies and interventions. It also hosts a number of support groups, camps and activities to provide additional therapy, training and support.

The center shares a home with Easter Seals Midwest -- formerly known as Life Skills -- and the Tailor Institute. Easter Seals also provides support and training for parents as well as a number of therapies for those with autism.

While the Tailor Institute recently started a children's program, its main focus is providing assistance to young adults with autism. Founded by Dr. David Crowe in 2003, the not-for-profit Tailor Institute identifies an individual's strengths and harnesses them to help each person attain greater independence.

Jenny Knoderer is the former executive director at the Tailor Institute and continues to work with the agency. She said one of the goals is helping young adults with autism prepare for life after high school. Many have been accepted to college and need help making that transition.

These students can experience college through Project Life Experience, which Knoderer calls a twist on the summer camp experience. Students from across the state, ages 16 and older with high-functioning autism, spend a few days in the residence halls at Southeast and receive tours of the university and the city.

"They experience everything from understanding how the local chamber of commerce works, to a mini-assessment [of their skills], to working with a mentor in their field of strength," she said.

This program started three years ago and is one example of how the Tailor Institute has grown, Knoderer said. It's become stronger, and each clinician who comes to them lays more groundwork to provide better services in the future.

"There's so much research, so what we're doing is always working to know it," she said. "We always work to be on the cutting edge of what we can offer our clients."

Understanding of autism in general and compassion for those affected by it has grown in the area, she's noticed, but it's difficult to say what's led to that shift.

"Southeast Missouri's a special place to live, I feel like, because people really are giving, they have giving hearts, open hearts," said Knoderer. "So I don't know if the awareness is so much larger because there are so many organizations who are working with individuals with autism, or if it's just that people here are great and want to understand more. I believe people have more overall understanding that it exists and that people with autism have gifts and have something to offer."

srinehart@semissourian.com

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Pertinent address:

611 N. Fountain St., Cape Girardeau, Mo.