Autism awareness

An Associated Press story published last week in the Southeast Missourian cited a parental survey that showed 1 in 50 children has autism. That's a really big and scary number.

Autism, a neurological disorder, is complicated. It is a spectrum disorder, meaning there are different categories, and it affects everyone in different ways. The umbrella of autism in recent years has been more inclusive, which is one reason for the increasing numbers.

There are still children and adults with autism who have no speech and are severely disabled from a cognitive standpoint.

In other individuals, the outward signs are more subtle. Some can't make eye contact. Others don't understand nonliteral language, such as metaphors or jokes. Some struggle with sensory response, meaning loud or intense audial and verbal situations set them off or shut them down. Others struggle with fine motor skills, making it difficult for them to write. Some need to stick to schedules to maintain composure. Some retain much, but express little. Some have an unhealthy pain tolerance and fear nothing. There are many other symptoms that fall under the spectrum.

The severity and combinations of these symptoms vary from individual to individual, and so do the approaches taken to addressing autism.

Since April is autism awareness month, we would like to remind everyone that autism, while life-changing, is not necessarily a life-crushing diagnosis. The autism world is getting very skilled at identifying ways to unlock the minds of those who can't speak. The goal in many circumstances isn't trying to remove autism, but to teach children and adults mental and social workarounds that can be used in real-world situations.

The Southeast Missourian editorial board has a special connection to autism. One of the editorial board members, the one who authored this editorial, has a son who has been diagnosed with autism.

Also, our local cartoonist, Taylor Crowe, has been overcoming autism all of his life. It's safe to say he was a "severe" case as a child, but through a lot of work, therapy and making relationships with "typically developing" peers, Taylor has become quite capable in navigating the world around him.

Almost every week, two editors meet with Taylor to come up with ideas for a cartoon. Taylor's ideas and his artwork are improving. He is always on time, polite and does a great job executing the idea developed during the brainstorming session. Taylor also paints. He has designed book covers, helped illustrate a children's book and had many other accomplishments. He's also a motivational speaker, having spoken to thousands of parents and advocates all across the country.

We are so very proud of Taylor. What an inspirational young man he is.

We'd like to remind everyone to think before passing judgment on individuals who may seem a little quirky or socially awkward. That child acting out in public might not be a brat. He might have been set off by a loud noise or have been unable to express to his parents that he is sick or hurting.

To all of you working in the autistic fields every day -- therapists, teachers and aides -- we want to thank you. It should be noted that you are doing so much more than "making a difference." You are setting people free.