Maybe you saw Dr. Nancy Snyderman on the Today Show. Or Jenny McCarthy on Good Morning America. Even President Obama had something to say about World Autism Awareness Day.But none of them touched me like one of my very own colleagues, Amy Weidner. Until today, I had no idea her 5-year-old son Jacob has autism.
In a very raw way, she describes in a letter what life is like for her little boy:
"Jacob lives in a world of confusion and frustration... He lives his days either staring off quietly unaware of the world around him or reciting movie scripts as he burns energy by running needless circles around the house. And although he is aware of most daily routines, recognizes his beloved family members, and is comfortable in the house where he lives, he is still unaware of so much. He doesn’t know what 'weather' is, he doesn’t know what 'tomorrow' means, he doesn’t know that he has a middle name. He still can’t say the word 'banana' and sadly…he doesn’t know who 'Jesus' is."
Dr. Catherine Karni, a UT Southwestern psychiatrist and autism specialist at Children's says approximately 1 in 150 children has a disorder that is categorized as autism spectrum disorder. The spectrum is vast with a different mix of characteristics and traits displayed in each child.
There is no question about it: autism is a sad and frightening disorder. Amy describes the days leading up to Jacob's diagnosis as "horrifying."
"...it was like watching Alzheimer’s happen to a young child... Life with autism has hindered any sense of normalcy. It has drained hard-earned funds. It has produced enough tears to fill a bathtub 5 times. It is confusing, relentless and unforgiving – and there is no end in sight. As of today, there is no known cause for autism, and sadly there is also no known cure."
But with help, we're making strides. And so is Jacob. His mother, Amy, is full of hope.
"I am confident that our lives will be rich in love and laughter. I know Jacob can change the world, even if it is one word at a time…and that time is coming soon."
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Dallas Services, Inc. has recently opened a new therapy clinic offering therapeutic yoga classes as well as a innovative summer program. Although yoga is no cure for autism, it is a modern-day controlling agent used to work on balance, breathing, elimination of rocking or flapping, as well as improve focus and concentration for persons with autism. This form of therapy is up and coming and is currently only being serviced in Dallas at the new Dallas Services, Inc. Therapy Clinic.
Feel free to contact me to discuss the benefits of yoga therapy for children with special needs and/or developmental delays. I can answer your questions and would be happy to have you visit a yoga session.
Today all we hear are stories of fear and frustration surrounding children with special needs. This is a fresh and positive outlook on a fresh new way for parents to help their children battle and conquer this biological disorder.
The link below is the news story and video we did for CBS 11 News.
http://cbs11tv.com/local/Autism.Therapeutic.Yoga.2.995824.html
I hope to hear from you soon.
Regards,
Lynne Silberman
Licensed Practitioner of Yoga for the Special Child
214-448-9424
About Dallas Services
Dallas Services, Inc., a local non-profit organization dedicated to enabling individuals with disabilities and other special needs to achieve their potential by fostering community inclusiveness and independence.
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