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Why Autistic Children Don’t Need to be Fixed, According to a Mom
A concerned mom of a child with autism has an important message for other parents: autistic children don’t need to be fixed, they just need to be understood better. Kelley Coleman, a Los Angeles-based mother of two and author of the upcoming book “Everything No One Tells You About Parenting a Disabled Child”, urges parents not to shy away from seeking diagnoses. According to Coleman, such diagnoses will only help enable our children to become the best versions of themselves.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) cases have been on the rise, as evidenced by a recent study at Rutgers University in New Jersey. The study revealed that diagnoses among children in the New York-New Jersey metropolitan area increased nearly 500% between 2000 and 2016. This increase cut across all races, genders, and ethnicities.
Coleman shared the study with as many people as possible, hoping to ease their fears. She believes the rising prevalence of autism diagnoses signifies a significant event in the medical history of our children. It is a development that should be taken seriously, especially as it is being addressed within underserved communities. Understanding how children’s brains work and how they experience the world is crucial for supporting them.
Contrary to previous findings, the Rutgers study showed that autism is not always accompanied by intellectual impairment. Lead author Josephine Shenouda stated that assumptions of high co-occurrence of autism with intellectual disabilities are inaccurate. Two in three children with autism in the study had no intellectual disability at all, dispelling the previous belief. Shenouda attributed this change to better testing and increased awareness.
Dr. Stephen Kanne, director of the NewYork-Presbyterian Center for Autism and the Developing Brain, who was not involved in the study, agrees with the increase in autism cases being primarily due to changes in diagnostic criteria. He believes that more education on the early signs of autism and access to resources and testing have contributed to this growth. He stated that this study highlights the incredible advancements in the healthcare system for autism diagnosis and access to care.
While the 500% increase in autism cases may be alarming, Kanne reassures that it signifies the advancement of testing over the 16-year study period. Early identification allows for effective treatment and supports critical progress. Coleman emphasizes the importance of support and knowledge for parents of autistic children and suggests consulting healthcare providers for answers to any questions after diagnosis. The goal is not to “therapy” autism out of a child but to understand their individual needs and help them function their best in the world.
Coleman’s upcoming book, which delves into these important topics, is set to be published in March 2024.
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