FOCUS ON CHILDREN WITHIN THE  AUTISM SPECTRUM Inc

(FOCAS)

If you've found yourself here, you are probably in some  way acquainted with the confusing world of autism. It is a world where we seem to have more and more children joining this exclusive club. If your child has just received this diagnosis, you have our understanding and are welcome to join us. It will be a difficult world fraught with despair, frustration, fear and  misunderstanding.

However, it is also a world where perseverance and belief, but most of all where love and understanding will be the best mentors and  teachers for your child. Accepting that your child is not perfect, and has been  denied what has been freely given to other children is extremely difficult and is a seemingly insurmountable barrier to helping them and you get on with living.

It is extremely disheartening to accept that there probably will be no cure, no "magic bullet", but don't stop hoping. While you  are hoping however, do your best to investigate every avenue available, speak to  other parent's with autistic children, speak to autistic children, etc, etc, but most of all DO interact with your child.

A child that does not interact with the world, does not  know or feel the need to interact. Help change by always being there, always talking when there is no reply. Always, smiling and looking when sometimes there may none in return. Always, hugging and holding, when all that is returned is a  limp body. These, and a thousand other gestures we may feel are futile, will all  in SOME way help. At least, never die wondering if something you didn't do would have made a difference if you tried it.

Seek early intervention. There are a number of techniques  including Discrete Trial Analysis, Picture Exchange Communication System and  Precision Teaching, which are available either via Disability Services or  privately. Do not neglect Speech or Occupational Therapy if required. If privately obtained, there may be some coverage by the various private health cover providers. Most of all, do not forget, that there are the families of children with an autistic spectrum disorder, all of whom would be more than willing to help you make sense of what is going on.

For me at least, my child does not have a disease, he has  a condition, a very pervasive and ever present condition, that is part of his  being and cannot be separated from. My task is simply to make sure that I can do everything in my power to help him become part of OUR world and to ensure that as best as I can do, try to understand HIS world. In the final analysis, what is most important to me is that I love him unreservedly and totally, not DESPITE his autism but because he is my little boy.

Gary Robless, father of Mitchell.