In Loudoun Group, Mothers Help Mothers Understand Autism
Shelley Mills helped start an autism group after son Nicholas was diagnosed with the disorder.
(By Shelley Mills)
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Living in LoCo is Erica Garman's blog devoted to all things interesting in Loudoun County. You can find it athttp:/
"He's a boy -- it's going to take him a little longer."
That's what the pediatrician told Shelley Mills when she expressed concern that her 18-month-old son, Nicholas, wasn't developing verbally at the same rate as other kids his age.
Three months later, Mills, of Ashburn Farm, noticed that Nicholas was regressing: He was jabbering and speaking in nonsensical jargon.
She took her son to Georgetown University Hospital, where he was diagnosed with autism.
According to the Autism Society of America, one out of every 150 children born in the United States today will be diagnosed as autistic. It is the fastest-growing developmental disability in the country.
Autism is a brain-development disorder that typically reveals itself before a child's third birthday. Symptoms can include repetitive or obsessive behavior, problems with verbal and nonverbal communication or severely impaired social skills. For unknown reasons, autism is most prevalent in boys.
Researchers aren't sure what causes autism; speculation includes genetic predisposition, the toxic environment and, most controversial, the childhood vaccine for measles, mumps and rubella.
Autism often puts a huge emotional and financial strain on families, and support is a welcome reprieve.
Mills feels fortunate to have met four other local mothers raising autistic children through October's Walk Now for Autism in the District. "We have so much in common, and we all have boys about the same age," she said.
Together, these women have launched the Loudoun County Autism Network to provide support and information for area families with autistic kids.
The group is planning to meet monthly and host speakers to address the latest in research and success strategies: restrictive diets that might ease a child's symptoms, events for autistic children and how to navigate the school system's special education programs.
