InTouch with Southern Kentucky April 2020 | Page 29

difficulties they encounter daily in
their lives.
George and his staff work along-
side both children and adults in
the area with autism (although
they offer other disability develop-
ment services too). Somerset is its
headquarters, while two additional
ABA offices are in Lexington and
Louisville.
“People with autism can have dif-
ficulty communicating about things
other than their interests when they
can get fixated on certain topics,”
George says. “They also are likely to
have some type of strict adherence
to a schedule or routine.”
There is no single cause for
autism. Typically, the diagnosis for
children happens anywhere from
ages three to eight. Kids having
autism especially use behavior for
communication.
“Their behavior is trying to ex-
press several possibilities,” George
says. “It can mean that I need some-
thing, or just even that I like how I
feel.”
Living with a person having au-
tism does affect others in the family.
Caregivers must deal with complex
behaviors and search for treatment
plans.
“If you can tell what their behavior
is saying, then reinforce appropriate
ways for them to get what they need or
want,” George says. “Trying to punish or
prevent behaviors they are communicat-
ing about is not going to be as successful
as teaching them another appropriate
way.”
Early testing and seeking a formal
diagnosis are beneficial for parents
concerned their child may have autism.
It provides a behavior assessment and
allows early treatment plans for improv-
ing behavioral skills.
“A lot of times, the behaviors can be
corrected,” George says. “But they do not
necessarily go away.”
“There is no medication to cure all
the problems of autism, rather it helps
with certain symptoms related to it,” he
continues. “We (ABA) try to teach them
socially appropriate behavior skills to
use in their environment.”
Granted, those with autism face
many challenges in their daily lives.
However, George persists that some of
the skills they have are exceptional and
tremendous.
“I am continually amazed at how
some of our clients can retain informa-
tion,” George says. “We have one young
man who can identify the make, model,
and everything about a vehicle, by just
simply glancing at it going down the
road.”
“We also have another gentleman
who is fascinated by global warming
and water levels in the oceans.” George
continues. “He keeps a constant check
on it and can tell you measurements
from memory.”
George believes that individuals
with autism deserve recognition year-
round for their uniqueness and not
just in April. Once autistic children
leave school, many lose their educa-
tion-based services as adults.
“The more I work with those having
autism, the more I learn how each one
is unique with what they can bring to
the world,” he says. “They teach me
something different every day.”
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M arch 2020
I n T ouch with S outhern K entucky • 29