AUTISM 2 AWESOME™ A Father’s Love Presented By Kerry L. Brooks, MS, NC May 24, 2009

Where There is LOVE Where There is LOVE There are MIRACLES There are MIRACLES

INSTRUCTIONAL GOAL To share personal experience, knowledge, and demonstration in designing an early intervention program that started our child from AUTISM 2 AWESOME™ AUTISM 2 AWESOME™

My Oprah’s Aha Moment

A Father’s Love

AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a group of developmental disabilities caused by a problem with the brain. Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a group of developmental disabilities caused by a problem with the brain. There is usually nothing about how a person with ASD looks that set them apart from other people, but they may communicate, interact, behave, and learn in ways that are different from most people. There is usually nothing about how a person with ASD looks that set them apart from other people, but they may communicate, interact, behave, and learn in ways that are different from most people. The thinking and learning abilities of people with ASDs can vary – from gifted to severely challenged. The thinking and learning abilities of people with ASDs can vary – from gifted to severely challenged.

ASDs CON’T? ASDs CON’T? Autistic disorder is the most commonly known type of ASD. Autistic disorder is the most commonly known type of ASD. The others include, “pervasive developmental disorder – not otherwise specified” (PDD-NOS) and Asperger Syndrome. The others include, “pervasive developmental disorder – not otherwise specified” (PDD-NOS) and Asperger Syndrome.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE SIGNS OF ASDs? WHAT ARE SOME OF THE SIGNS OF ASDs? Social Skills Social Skills Emotional Skills Emotional Skills Communication Skills Communication Skills They might repeat certain behaviors and might not want change in their daily activities They might repeat certain behaviors and might not want change in their daily activities

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE SIGNS OF ASDs CON’t? WHAT ARE SOME OF THE SIGNS OF ASDs CON’t? The child avoid eye contact and want to be alone The child avoid eye contact and want to be alone The child might have trouble understanding other people’s feelings or talking about their own feeling The child might have trouble understanding other people’s feelings or talking about their own feeling The child might prefer not to be held or cuddled or might cuddle only when they want to The child might prefer not to be held or cuddled or might cuddle only when they want to The child might appear to be unaware when other people talk to them but respond to other sound The child might appear to be unaware when other people talk to them but respond to other sound

AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER 1 IN 94 BOYS IS ON THE AUSTIM SPECTRUM 1 IN 94 BOYS IS ON THE AUSTIM SPECTRUM 67 CHILDREN ARE DIAGNOSED PER DAY 67 CHILDREN ARE DIAGNOSED PER DAY A NEW CASE IS DIAGNOSED ALMOST EVERY 20 MINUTES A NEW CASE IS DIAGNOSED ALMOST EVERY 20 MINUTES AUTISM IS THE FASTEST- GROWING SERIOUS DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITY IN THE U.S AUTISM IS THE FASTEST- GROWING SERIOUS DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITY IN THE U.S AUTISM COST THE NATION OVER $90 BILLION PER YEAR, A FIGURE EXPECTED TO DOUBLE IN THE NEXT DECADE AUTISM COST THE NATION OVER $90 BILLION PER YEAR, A FIGURE EXPECTED TO DOUBLE IN THE NEXT DECADE

Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, it became a butterfly Proverb Proverb

A2A is an early intervention health and wellness guide created to improve the well- being of children and families challenged with autism. What is Autism 2 Awesome: A Father’s Love

Developed by a father to: EducateEmpowerInspireSupport

UNIQUE Autism 2 Awesome is:

What is the best therapy for your child? What is the best therapy for your child?

Parents Parents Caregivers Caregivers

Seven Steps for Father’s Show your LOVE Show your LOVE Keep a Journal Keep a Journal Attitude of Belief Attitude of Belief Commitment & Consistency Commitment & Consistency Imagination Imagination 50 Hugs & 50 Kisses 50 Hugs & 50 Kisses Never, Never, Never, give up Never, Never, Never, give up

Be First 2 Respond Early intervention is key Parents usually first to notice signs Be prepared for a crisis First Responders Roles

What Can Mothers Do 2 Help Fathers Mothers you are the BEST Mothers you are the BEST Communication Communication Educate the fathers about autism Educate the fathers about autism Recognize how men cope emotionally Recognize how men cope emotionally Let them know that Fathers do matter Let them know that Fathers do matter

I have no complaints, all that which is before me are simply opportunities to create miracles……………..K.L.Brooks

WHERE THERE IS LOVE THERE ARE MIRACLES

ANY QUESTIONS?