Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder need structure, training, therapies to enhance their quality of life– Okanlawon

When Alexander Okanlawon was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in 1993, his then 8 year old sister, Jessica, found her calling. After 17 years of personal experience, acquiring expertise in psychology, qualifying as a specialty doctor in Counselling/Psychology and Autism Spectrum Disorder, Jessica Okanlawon, the CEO of Alexander Okanlawon Autism Foundation & Consulting is still providing care, counselling, rehabilitation and consultancy services to help individuals with ASD and their families. Okanlawon tells BusinessDay Anthonia Obokoh about what families and individuals can do to cope when there is an Autism Spectrum Diagnosis.

You run an organisation dedicated to providing support for ASD, what does it entail?

My love and passion for education, counseling, and psychology derives from my personal experience raising my brother, Alexander. The Autism Spectrum Diagnosis was a part of our life from early on and I was so intrigued why my brother looked so normal but could not speak. The curiosity in me sparked our lasting bond even up to date. As I fully grasped the needs of families, I began the The Alexander Okanlawon Autism Foundation 2010.

The organization allowed me to provide resources and events for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their families and brings awareness to the growing epidemic that has spread worldwide. Often time’s families are perplexed after a diagnosis has been given and are unaware of the next steps. My responsibility is to assist the family in filling and bridging any gaps and making that connection. This is achieved by bringing the resources to the family while assisting them as they begin there long but rewarding journey.

In 2013, I decided to provide the support, consulting and training we received as a family and the skill I was now proficient in and began The Alexander Okanlawon Autism Foundation & Consulting. With a doctoral degree in Counselling Psychology & Education with a Specialty in ASD, I was able to train families and individuals with what to do after a diagnosis or in any stage of their development. My personal and professional knowledge/expertise allows me to provide an array of services to these families such as consulting, evaluation and assessments, therapeutic counseling, applied behavioral therapy, behavior modification, adaptive/functional skills training, supplements, diets and so much more.

When is Autism Spectrum Disorder noticed in children?

ASD appears to have its roots in very early development. However, the most obvious signs and symptoms of autism tend to emerge between 2 and 3 years of age.

Presently, we don’t have a medical test that can diagnose ASD. Instead, specially trained physicians and psychologists administer autism-specific behavioral evaluations.

Often parents are the first to notice that their child is showing unusual behaviors such as failing to make eye contact, not responding to his or her name or playing with toys in unusual, repetitive ways. Though ASD cannot be definitively diagnosed until around 18 to 24 months, research shows that children as young as 8 to 12 months may exhibit early signs.

What should parents look out for?

Parents should look for symptoms such as no back-and-forth sharing of sounds, smiles or other facial expressions by 9 months; no babbling or back-and-forth gestures (e.g. pointing) by 12 months; or any loss of babbling, speech or social skills at any age. Do not wait, if you begin to see these signs please speak to a professional as soon as possible.

Please elaborate on the prevalence of ASD?

Every 1 in 68 children is on the Autism Spectrum. This is a 10-fold increase in prevalence in 40 years. Careful research shows that this increase is only partly explained by improved diagnosis and awareness. Studies also show that ASD is four to five times more common among boys than girls. An estimated 1 out of 42 boys and 1 in 189 girls are diagnosed with ASD. It affects tens of millions worldwide and is the fastest-growing developmental disorder.

Some think Autism Spectrum Disorder is a mental disorder, what is your view?

ASD is a pervasive developmental disorder not a mental disorder. The onset of pervasive developmental disorders occurs during infancy, but the condition is usually not identified until the child is around three years old. Parents may begin to question the health of their child when developmental milestones are not met, including age appropriate motor movement and speech production. A mental disorder, also called a mental illness or psychiatric disorder is a diagnosis by a mental health professional of a behavioral or mental pattern that may cause suffering or a poor ability to function in life. Such features may be persistent, relapsing and remitting, or occur as a single episode.

What challenges do children with ASD face?

Individuals on Autism Spectrum are characterized by social-interaction difficulties, communication challenges and a tendency to engage in repetitive behaviors. However, symptoms and their severity vary widely across these three core areas. Taken together, they may result in relatively mild challenges for someone on the high functioning end of the autism spectrum. For others, symptoms may be more severe, as when repetitive behaviors and lack of spoken language interfere with everyday life.

Each individual with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is unique. Many of those on the autism spectrum have exceptional abilities in visual skills, music and academic skills.

About 40 percent have average to above average intellectual abilities. Indeed, many persons on the spectrum take deserved pride in their distinctive abilities and “atypical” ways of viewing the world. Others with autism have significant disability and are unable to live independently. About one third of people with ASD are nonverbal but can learn to communicate using other means. This is why the term evolved from autism to ASD because every individual falls at a different place on the spectrum. Challenges will come but it is important to focus on their ABILITIES rather than the disability.

What advice will you give mothers and care givers of children with ASD?

Do not wait to get a diagnosis or speak up about your concerns. If you notice that your child is not hitting their developmental milestones it is best to search professional advice.

Early intervention is the best because the child has the opportunity to begin to learn, receive treatments and therapies that will assist him or her in becoming the best they can be and also giving them a good quality of life. The Autism Spectrum diagnosis can be a hard pill to swallow for anyone but these children and individuals need our support.

I believe awareness is becoming more common but what families such as myself want acceptance. You can be aware of something and not accept it and not deal with it appropriately.

What are the treatment options for autism?

While ASD is usually a life-long condition, all children and adults benefit from interventions, or therapies, that can reduce symptoms and increase skills and abilities. Although it is best to begin intervention as soon as possible, the benefits of therapy can continue throughout life.

Each intervention plan should be tailored to address specific needs. Examples of treatment options are Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA), which focuses on communication, play, social, academic, self-care, work and community living skills, and to reduce problem behaviors in learners with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT) is used to teach language, decrease disruptive/self-stimulatory behaviors, and increase social, communication, and academic skills by focusing on critical, or “pivotal,” behaviors that affect a wide range of behaviors.

Occupational Therapy (OT) brings together cognitive, physical and motor skills. The aim of OT is to enable the individual to gain independence and participate more fully in life.

Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) is a learning system that allows children with little or no verbal ability to communicate using pictures. Gluten Free, Casein Free Diet (GFCF) are used by families interested in dietary and nutritional interventions that might help some of their children’s symptoms. Evidence suggests that removal of gluten and casein from an individual’s can be helpful for reducing some symptoms of ASD. Sensory Integration (SI) therapy is designed to identify disruptions in the way the individual’s brain processes movement, touch, smell, sight and sound, and help he or she process these senses in a more productive way. Equine Therapy is therapy provided by riding a horse. These are just a few but it is important to tailor each treatment around the specific needs on the individual; there is no such thing as “one size fits all”.

Can autism be prevented?

No, it cannot be prevented or detected via any medical tests hence there is no known medical cure. Growing evidence suggests that a small minority of persons with ASD progress to the point where they no longer meet the criteria for a diagnosis. We also know that many people with ASD go on to live independent and fulfilling lives and that all deserve the opportunity to work productively, develop meaningful and fulfilling relationships and enjoy life. With better interventions and supports available, those affected by ASD are having better outcomes in all spheres of life.