Outwitted

He drew a circle that shut me out Heretic, rebel, a thing to flout, But Love and I had the wit to win: We drew a circle that took him in! Edwin Markham A person with autism often shuts out the world around him, and it takes great Love and understanding to reach inside that world----even a little. Autism is a complex developmental disorder of the brain, and it usually exists the whole of an individual's life. The symptoms and severity of the symptoms vary greatly from one person to another. About 1.5 million people in the United States alone have some form of autism, and today one in 150 is diagnosed. Why it is on the increase is still a mystery, but it is more common than pediatric cancer, diabetes, and AIDS combined. Autism impairs a person's ability to communicate and to relate to others. Speech is difficult and sometimes not possible. Sounds are often not processed properly. For instance, the sound of a vacuum cleaner may sound like a train going through a person's head. Sparkling lights can be blinding and frightening. Familiar people may be hard to recognize. A gentle touch can produce shock waves while a serious injury may not even be noticed. This inability to see, hear, speak or feel in a regular manner can lead to tantrums, confusion, and complete shutdowns. Some autistic people may never be able to talk, work, or live independently while others may be totally independent and function well. Albert Einstein is thought to have had a form of autism. The most important thing for parents who suspect something may not be quite right about their child is to know they are not alone. Help is available, and early diagnosis is key to quick intervention. Great benefit can be derived from existing therapies and restrictive diets. However, at this point, there is no cure, no completely effective therapies, and no known means of preventing autism. Autism Speaks is an organization working to raise awareness and much needed funds for research and treatment. A strong arm of Autism Speaks is Athletes Against Autism. These men and women have been personally touched by autism and want to use their special skills and status to make an impact on the over 1.5 million people in the United States who have autism. [caption id="attachment_4074" align="alignnone" width="211" caption="Olie Kolzig"][/caption] Athletes Against Autism (Triple A) was founded by National Hockey League players Olie Kolzig, Byron Dafoe, and Scott Mellanby. As fathers of children with autism they knew the importance of the cause. Current and former professional athletes have joined them with fund raising events such as golf tournaments, dinners, and auctions. Major league baseball participates with certain teams hosting affairs. The San Francisco Giants and Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim held an Autism Awareness Night on June 15, 2009. Special tickets were sold and proceeds from certain ticket sales went to benefit Athletes Against Autism. Victor Martinez, a successful bodybuilder, is the father of three children, two with autism. He feels his personal mission is to make a difference in the lives of all children with autism, and to help with a family support system. [caption id="attachment_4075" align="alignnone" width="200" caption="Melanie Roach"][/caption] Melanie Roach has won eight U. S. national championships in weightlifting. This petite 117 pound lady came back after a devastating back injury to qualify for the 2008 Olympics and finished fifth overall. This woman of strength is so much more than a world class athlete. Melanie and her husband Dan, a state representative in Washington, parent three children and are expecting a fourth in August, 2009. Their five year old son Drew was diagnosed with autism at age 2. Melanie, a devout Mormon, admits to going into a near depression at that time, but her faith and some wise counseling helped her to truly see Drew as the blessing he is. She has learned to live in the moment with him and not to dwell on the past or the future. "I really feel like that concept of enjoying the now and not worrying about the future is what my coach has been trying to teach me for 14 years----and that is what has made me such a different athlete 10 years later, and that has made me strong enough mentally to make the Olympic team." [caption id="attachment_4076" align="alignnone" width="212" caption="Melanie Roach"][/caption] Roach is an active member of Athletes Against Autism and served as the 2008 Honorary Walk Chair for the Tacoma Walk Now for Autism. She told the crowd it takes great perseverance and strength to get to the Olympics but even more to be the parent of a child with autism. Melanie Roach also spoke during the opening ceremonies at the 2008 Athletes Against Autism Seattle Walk which ended up raising over $ 250,000. Besides helping with the Walk Now for Autism walks, Melanie has become an advocate for insurance coverage of autism treatment. Her honesty and inspirational story have been an encouragement to all parents raising children with autism. Roach eloquently voiced what many of those parents feel. "It's difficult to let go of the expectations you have for your child. You have to kind of come to the realization that the things you thought he might become, or the experiences you think are normal for your children, sometimes don't happen for a child with autism." Then she added that for her, "It was about letting go, and finally embracing who he was and to not think too much about the future and just enjoy who he is now." Check the website for Walk Now For Autism walk in your area. Many sponsors, donors, and participants have raised over $ 12 million. The walks extend across the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. Also visit www.waautisminsurance.org to see how your state legislature stands on the insurance coverage of autism treatment.

Advocacy Alert:

Visit www.waautisminsurance.org to urge your state legislature to pass the insurance parity act. This would provide insurance coverage for autism treatment. Melanie Roach advises us to "use our talents to impact the lives of others-----therein lies the blessing."