2008 Woodie Awards
Programs to educate community
By: Frank Eslinger
Issue date: 3/31/08 Section: News
Patricia Kopetz wants people to be aware and informed when dealing with children diagnosed with autism and Asperger's syndrome.
"Let's all get real with this debilitating condition that effects 1.5 million Americans and their families," said Kopetz, a counseling and special education professor. "As a neurological, developmental disorder with no known cause and no cure, the diagnosis has taken on epidemic proportions. Officials have cited that one child out of every 150 is diagnosed with some form of autism."
April is autism awareness month, and a variety of events and activities will take place throughout the campus community to spread awareness about autism and how it affects individuals.
Most of the events and programs are designed to educate and inform those who do not know basic facts about autism, while some events are designed to help those that have been diagnosed.
Kopetz, who has worked with autistic children in the past, is the faculty adviser and serves on the board for the newly-chartered chapter of the Central Michigan Autism Society of America. She said she hopes the month's activities will be informative for students and staff.
"With their awareness of autism, they can demonstrate compassion and understanding of its effects on individuals with the diagnosis and on their families," she said. "They can be watchful for the signs, or 'red flags,' that suggest further medical testing and/or treatment for our youngest citizens. For the earlier, we're able to intervene and assist children with autism in their coping, communication and adaptive behavior skills to better their future and quality of life."
Penny Bearden, the vice president of the Autism Society of Michigan and a mother of a child diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome, said patience and understanding are important when dealing with children with autism.
"Education is key, all across the board," said Bearden, who helped organize the upcoming events. "It allows them to be understood. We have to teach students to be accepting, especially when they can't do something."
Hersey senior Jennifer Richardson, a mother of a child diagnosed with autism, stressed how important it can be to understand what the disorder is and how to spot it.
"It's a very unique disorder," Richardson said. "You can't visibly see it."
news@cm-life.com
"Let's all get real with this debilitating condition that effects 1.5 million Americans and their families," said Kopetz, a counseling and special education professor. "As a neurological, developmental disorder with no known cause and no cure, the diagnosis has taken on epidemic proportions. Officials have cited that one child out of every 150 is diagnosed with some form of autism."
April is autism awareness month, and a variety of events and activities will take place throughout the campus community to spread awareness about autism and how it affects individuals.
Most of the events and programs are designed to educate and inform those who do not know basic facts about autism, while some events are designed to help those that have been diagnosed.
Kopetz, who has worked with autistic children in the past, is the faculty adviser and serves on the board for the newly-chartered chapter of the Central Michigan Autism Society of America. She said she hopes the month's activities will be informative for students and staff.
"With their awareness of autism, they can demonstrate compassion and understanding of its effects on individuals with the diagnosis and on their families," she said. "They can be watchful for the signs, or 'red flags,' that suggest further medical testing and/or treatment for our youngest citizens. For the earlier, we're able to intervene and assist children with autism in their coping, communication and adaptive behavior skills to better their future and quality of life."
Penny Bearden, the vice president of the Autism Society of Michigan and a mother of a child diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome, said patience and understanding are important when dealing with children with autism.
"Education is key, all across the board," said Bearden, who helped organize the upcoming events. "It allows them to be understood. We have to teach students to be accepting, especially when they can't do something."
Hersey senior Jennifer Richardson, a mother of a child diagnosed with autism, stressed how important it can be to understand what the disorder is and how to spot it.
"It's a very unique disorder," Richardson said. "You can't visibly see it."
news@cm-life.com
Viewing Comments 1 - 4 of 4
lastcrazyhorn
posted 4/01/08 @ 7:39 AM EST
What a way of putting it: "debilitating condition." There are a lot of words she could have used to describe it. I would not have used that one. ASDs (Autistic Spectrum Disorders) are certainly challenging at times, but the way this article lays it out, it makes it seem like every part of it is nothing short of terrible. (Continued…)
Casdok
posted 4/01/08 @ 10:09 AM EST
Your right education and spreading awarness is the key. So terms like 'debilitating condition' does nothing to help.
I love my son the way he is. I am very proud of him and wouldnt change him for the world. (Continued…)
Chuck
posted 4/01/08 @ 2:39 PM EST
Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD) as the name implies covers a wide range of skills and abilities. Intelligence alone does not define or determine an individual's "functionality" to society nor does "debilitating condition" determine if an individual will be able to independently live within society. (Continued…)
John Halley
posted 11/25/08 @ 5:52 PM EST
I realize that the comments posted so far are over six months old; however, I felt compelled to remark also, because I think the Professor is being unnecessarily criticized for her use of one word here, and the intention I am sure was not to overlook the abilities that children with autistic disorders have. (Continued…)
Post a Comment