Autism Awareness: Why early detection matters

April is the designated month for Autism Awareness, with April 2nd being World Autism Awareness day.

People will be wearing blue and hosting events this month to spotlight autism, but the spotlight doesn’t turn off after April for people and families living with it every day.

“It’s important that as a community we learn to embrace the autism population and learn about them and how we can help them,” Board Certified Behavior Analyst at The STAR Center Mallory Garrett said. “And also how they can help us.”

Most people have or will encounter someone with autism, so bringing awareness to autism and how it impacts people differently will people be less scared of it and more understanding, Garrett noted.

Because autism is a spectrum disorder, it doesn’t look the same on every person. A common misconception is that everyone with the disorder is the same.

“Every individual with autism is going to behave differently, communicate differently (and) interact with others differently,” Garrett said.

Early detection is key

Billy Gordon and his wife suspected something was going on with their son when he was about 15 months old. The key signs were his inability to speak and some unusual behaviors.

By 2 years old he was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

“Any parent that suspects something is not right … should follow up with their pediatrician or TEIS (Tennessee Early Intervention System),” Gordon said. “Every day that passes by is a day that you can’t get back as far as early intervention goes.”

From birth through 4 years old, a child’s brain is developing the most it ever will, Gordon said. Early detection during this time allows for certain behaviors to be identified and modified.

“In those first four years, it is the greatest opportunity to make an impression that lasts the rest of their life,” Gordon said.

Gordon’s son is now 4 years old and doing very well, he noted. He and his wife, Amanda, choose to grow their son’s strengths instead of focusing on his weaknesses.

Reach reporter Brittney Jackson at bljackson@gannett.com or 731-425-9643.