A Mother's Plea: Autistic Children Do Not Need Fixing, Just Understanding

Kelley Coleman, an author and mother of a child with autism, is on a mission to change public perception of autistic children.

In a recent interview, Coleman emphasized that these children do not need to be fixed, but rather understood and supported.

She encourages parents not to be afraid of seeking out diagnoses for their children, as it is a crucial step towards helping them be the best version of themselves.

Coleman's message comes amidst a spike in autism diagnoses, with cases increasing nearly 500% in the New York-New Jersey area alone.

However, she believes that this rise in numbers should not be cause for fear, but rather an indication that autism is being taken more seriously and measures are being taken to support these children.

To further illustrate the potential of autistic individuals, Coleman shares the story of a remarkable 11-year-old autistic piano prodigy who recently went viral.

This young prodigy received a surprise gift of $15,000 from his teacher, showcasing the incredible talent and abilities that can be found within the autistic community.

While some may question the causes behind the rise in autism cases, a study from Rutgers University suggests that it is due to improved diagnostic criteria and better awareness.

Contrary to previous beliefs, the study found that two in three children with autism had no intellectual disability.

This challenges the assumption that autism is always accompanied by intellectual impairment.

Experts believe that the increase in autism awareness and improved testing methods have led to better identification and support for individuals with autism.

Dr. Stephen Kanne, director of the NewYork-Presbyterian Center for Autism and the Developing Brain, highlights the importance of early identification and access to comprehensive evaluation, treatment, education, and support.

He reassures parents that an autism diagnosis does not mean trying to therapy the autism out of a child, but rather understanding their unique brain function and supporting them in becoming their best selves within the world.

Kelley Coleman's upcoming book, 'Everything No One Tells You About Parenting a Disabled Child,' is set to be published in March 2024, furthering her efforts to change perceptions and provide support for parents of autistic children.