Odds are, if you know 150 children, one of them lies somewhere on a mysterious mental landscape called autism. Just as all children come in different shapes and sizes, so, too, does autism.
The children affected could lie any where on the spectrum — from that quirky kid who sits right next to the teacher and talks obsessively about one topic to the child who says nothing at all.
No matter their quirks or mannerisms, children with autism all have one thing in common: Their daily lives are a struggle not only for themselves, but also their families, schools and anyone who has contact with them. Children with autism have to overcome speech difficulties, physical challenges and social issues.
Trisha Price, 31, of Kingston can attest to the daily struggles. Her 4-year-old son, Manny, was diagnosed with autism nearly two years ago. She, like many parents who have faced or are facing this diagnosis, treated the news like a death in the family.
She went through the full range of emotions: anger, denial … and, eventually, acceptance.
She’s certainly in the acceptance phase now. And she’s also on a mission. Price is spearheading two separate autism awareness walks next week.
She’s not asking for donations, she just wants to raise the public’s consciousness on an issue that affects one out of every 150 children, according to a 2007 study produced by the Center for Disease Control’s Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network.
Autism doesn’t only affect family members.
The recent rise in autism — which can’t be attributed to any single factor — is alarming. And it’s everywhere.
In the North Kitsap School District, the numbers of children diagnosed with autism-related conditions has increased, said Dorothy Siskin, director of special education. Nine years ago, there were a few children, three or five, maybe, who were on the autism spectrum. Now, that number is about 50.
While there is no known cause or cure for autism, education can go a long way in helping children on the spectrum become independent adults.
That’s why Price’s mission is raise awareness about a condition she and her family live with every day.
The first walk will be on April 28. Walkers can gather at noon at the Gliding Eagle smoke station at the Port Gamble S’Klallam reservation.
On Tuesday, a second walk will be in Suquamish. It will begin at 5:30 p.m. at the Suquamish Youth Center.
Receptions will follow both walks. Walkers will also be treated to a police escort and a bus will follow for those who get tired. These events are worthy of community participation.
Please show up and support Price’s efforts. Because that child — that one in 150 who is affected by autism — is probably closer to you than you think.
