The death of 5-year-old Joe Clyde Daniels brings focus to understanding autism

The death of Joe Clyde Daniels, the slain 5-year-old boy from Dickson County who had autism and was non-verbal, has shaken the community.

Particularly parents and advocates for children with disabilities.

When Leisa Hammett heard of Daniels' death, she climbed under the covers with her own adult daughter, Grace, who has autism.

She studied Grace's face and thought about when she was a little girl. Then she shed a tear.

Court documents released Monday morning indicate that the boy's father, Joseph Ray Daniels, told investigators he beat the boy to death, put Joe Clyde's body in the trunk of his car and disposed of the remains in a "remote area."

More: Joseph Ray Daniels: Dickson father ‘quiet’ but when triggered, ‘it wasn't pretty’

More: Joe Clyde Daniels: Prayer vigil honors life of slain Dickson County boy

On Tuesday, additional court documents said the boy's mother, Krystal Nicole Daniels, admitted she was present at the home on Garners Creek Road in Dickson County when Joseph Ray Daniels "intentionally caused the death of their son."

It wasn't the first incident like this Hammett had heard of, and, just as in times past, she wondered what support systems were in place for this child.

"It is a heartbreaking and even enraging that this sweet child's life was ended in such a vile act of horrendous, hideous violence," says Hammettt. "But ask the greater questions of why?...What was there not enough of?"

For Hammett, what's most important is that the community understands what autism is and how it can support families who face the challenges of the disability every day.

Here's some help understanding autism.

1. What is autism?

Autism is a developmental disability that typically appears during childhood and affects a person's ability to communicate and interact with others.

It most often is characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication, according to Autism Speaks, a nonprofit organization that promotes awareness of an supports individuals with autism.

It can also be associated with unique strengths in arts, music, and learning.

The word spectrum, as in autism spectrum disorder, refers to the wide range of symptoms, skills, and levels of disability.

2. How common is autism?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates autism’s prevalence as 1 in 68 children in the United States. Boys are about 4.5 times more likely to be diagnosed than girls, according to the CDC.

There is no medical test, like a blood test, to diagnose the disorders.

Research suggests that autism often develops from a combination of genetic and environmental influences. There could be links to heredity and medical problems.

Some children may be born with a susceptibility to autism, but scientists have yet to identify a single "trigger" that causes autism to develop, according to the Autism Society of America.

3. What are symptoms of autism?

Autism’s most-obvious signs often appear between ages 2 and 3.

They include: a child not responding to his or her name, not pointing at objects or things of interest, not playing "pretend" games, and avoiding eye contact, according to Autism Speaks.

Almost half of the children identified with autism spectrum disorder have average or above average intellectual ability, according to the CDC.

Approximately one-third of people with autism have an intellectual disability. One-third remain nonverbal.

4. What is the treatment for autism?

Currently, there is no cure for autism spectrum disorder.

Research does show that early intervention treatment services, such as therapy to help the child talk, walk and interact with others, can improve a child's development.

5. Where can you find support?

There are many organizations that offer information and support for families who have a loved one with autism, including in Nashville at the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center.

"While the internet has multiplied resource information exponentially, nothing can replace connecting with other human beings face-to-face," says Hammett, regional organizer for Family Voices of Tennessee, a family support program of the Tennessee Disability Coalition.

"Nashville is resource rich. We are fortunate to have one of the nation’s finest educational, medical/scientific research institutions and best graduate programs in special education and speech-language pathology."

Hammett suggests signing up for every study and seminar, getting on email lists and waitlists, and connecting with local resources.

"Pace yourself for the long journey ahead," she says, "but get connected."

Autism Tennessee: autismtennessee.wildapricot.org, 615-385-2077

Tennessee Disability Coalition: www.tndisability.org, 888-643-7811, coalition@tndisability.org

Tennessee Disability Pathfinder: vkc.mc.vanderbilt.edu/vkc/pathfinder, 1-800-640-4636

Vanderbilt Kennedy Center TRIAD (Treatment and Research Institute for Autism Spectrum Disorders): vkc.mc.vanderbilt.edu/vkc/triad/home/, 615-322-7565, autismresources@vanderbilt.edu

Autism Research Institute: www.autism.com, 1-833-281-7165

Autism Speaks: www.autismspeaks.org, 1-888-288-4762 (en Español: 1-888-772-9050)

Autism Society of America: www.autism-society.org, 1-800-328-8476