Autism was first identified in 1943 by psychiatrist Leo Kanner, who described a group of children with unique social and communication challenges and he termed it “early infantile Autism”. Autism is a developmental diagnosis that impairs the ability to communicate and interact. Common symptoms include difficulty with communication, difficulty with social interactions, obsessive interests, and repetitive behaviors. Day to day life for children and adults with Autism can be challenging because their life is impacted by lack of resources, stigma, and the complexities of surviving and thriving.
Autism is celebrated in the month of April to bring awareness and shine light on the differences and difficulties of individuals who are diagnosed on the Autism Spectrum. Parents with children who have Autism need empathy and patience. The waiting list for assistance from agencies who offer respite care can be months, even years, for a child with Autism to receive services with the CLASS program. This is a Texas Medicaid waiver program that provides home and community-based services to individuals with related conditions as a cost-effective alternative to Intermediate Care Facilities. Simply put, parents or care-givers need to have a break for self-care.
As a mother who has two sons diagnosed with Autism and Asperger’s, it takes commitment and dedication to advocate for services and fairness. Quite often children and adults are misunderstood, marginalized and some are mistreated who have Autism.
In Dallas there are programs that offer assistance for medical and dental resources and other services such as:
Rays of Light
Easter Seals
Disability Rights of Texas
Children’s Autism Dental ClinicDr. Dan Burch, Crown Dental *the only dentist in 19 counties who serves children and adults with Autism and other disabilities*
Parents do not have a lot of options, so the goal is do what you can and communicate what your child needs.
Support Matters. Advocacy Matters. Acceptance Matters
Christina Puga
Commissioner, City of Dallas
Judicial Nominating Commission, District 3
