My Autism Awareness Newspaper Article

[jlemaycox]

Athol Daily News February 10, 2010

AUTISM SUNDAY — Elijah LeMay, 7, was diagnosed with autism when he was six. He has taught his parents to slow down and appreciate the little things in life such as flowers and the sky. On Sunday, Feb. 14 people across the nation will celebrate Autism Sunday, an event established by Ivan and Charika Corea of Britian, who have a teenager with autism, to bring awareness to the disorder. Submitted Photo Family Strives To Increase Autism Awareness DANIELLE OERTEL ADN Staff Reporter Imagine feeling like there is something different with your child, but not being able to put your finger on what it is or finding anyone who believes you. Imagine your child having difficulties making friends. Imagine your child having difficulties with loud or unfamiliar sounds. Imagine being blamed for your child's difficult behavior. These are some of the things parents of children with autism go through. Since he was born, Janice L. Cox, of Orange, knew something was different about her son Elijah LeMay. His condition went undiagnosed until he was six years old. Following a visit to Center for Children with Special Needs at Tufts Medical Center Floating Hospital For Children in Boston, he was diagnosed as having autism spectrum disorder. Elijah is now seven and is a first grade student at Dexter Park School. He takes four different medications to help him control his aggression and anxiety. The medications have dramatically improved his learning experience. Elijah also sees a speech therapist twice a week, has an one-on-one aide, has counseling both in and out of school, has physical and occupational therapy and is on a "sensory" diet. All of these things aid the little guy in overcoming the challenges autism presents to him. On top of the daily and weekly help he receives, every three to four months he sees a developmental behavioral pediatrician. Elijah has a typical relationship with his siblings, Charles Cox III, age 15; Monica LeMay,13, and Natasia Cox, 11. They fight and get along just like any other siblings. Charles has seen someone picking on someone with autism at his school and has vowed to never let that happen to Elijah. As a parent, Janice said she felt she had to do something to help. She writes poetry and has joined online groups. In one such group she met Ivan Corea, who are parents of Charin Corea, a teen with autism. Charin's parents launched the Autism Sunday campaign in 2002 to increase the Autism and Asperger's Syndrome awareness. This year that day falls on Feb. 14. Janice has taken the Autism Sunday campaign to the highest levels. She has contacted all of the major newspapers and television channels in Massachusetts, written to the governor of the state and to the president of the nation. She is looking to spread the word and to have the day recognized and celebrated across the United States. Janice encourages everyone to write to the president, the governor, health advisor to the president, Robert Gibbs White House Press secretary, Katie Johnson the personal secretary, to the President and Michelle Obama who can help heighten awareness of this disorder. Over 60 million people around the world live with autism. In this country, one in 110 children and one in 70 boys are diagnosed as having an autism spectrum disorder. These numbers are expected to rise. While the theories abound as to what causes autism, scientists and researchers don't know why it happens. When asked what Elijah has taught him, his father Charles Cox Jr. said that he has learned to slow down and notice the little things like flowers and the sky. He further noted he has learned to enjoy life in a different way. Janice said that her son has taught her to be an advocate and never give up. She offered words we all should live by, "Keep fighting. Never give up. That's how you get them the help they need. Trust your instincts. Listen to your heart." When asked where they find the strength to get overcome the challenges in life, Elijah's parents both agreed that House of Love Ministries, has been very helpful. The parishioners have not only been very tolerant but also curious about Elijah's condition and want to help him work through his challenges. The House of Love Ministries church, located on 107 Walnut St., Athol, is celebrating Autism Sunday with a public service at 9 a.m. on Feb. 14.

[rockerchick]

That's a great article!  Thanks for sharing!