Day 14: World Autism Awareness Day 2020
Today we observe World Autism Awareness Day, a day when we recognize and celebrate the individual rights of persons on the autism spectrum. These rights include the right to an education and the right to independence and autonomy. As the U.N.’s Secretary-General António Guterres wrote, “The rights of persons with autism must be taken into account in the formulation of all responses to the COVID-19 virus.”
For those of you who are less familiar with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), they are a group of disorders of development that interfere with communication, play, social relationships, and the acquisition of academic skills. ASD is also characterized by restrictive, repetitive patterns of behavior. In recent years, its prevalence has risen to one in 59 children, and its symbol is often depicted as a puzzle piece. Thankfully, the right medical and educational interventions lead to a reduction in maladaptive behaviors and improved outcomes in language and social development and adaptive functioning. Accordingly, the American Academy of Pediatrics issued a report in January 2020 emphasizing the importance of developmental and behavioral surveillance at each well child visit.
Having a child diagnosed with ASD can be a traumatic experience, but the best advice that I can give as a special education attorney and parent is to take action immediately. There are a number of professionals who are in your corner, with your child’s best interest at heart. However, the type or amount of therapy that your child needs may not be readily accessible without legal advocacy. If you suspect that your child may have ASD or have already received the diagnosis, book a virtual consultation on my website: https://www.msrlegal.org/book-your-consultation. It’s important to know your rights and your options, and to develop the best legal strategy to obtain what your child needs. Continue to follow me on Instagram at @msrlegalconsulting for the latest updates on special needs parenting in the wake of Covid-19.
Until next time, stay safe, be well, and remember to love and accept your child for who s/he is.
Oroma
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