Mary Kay Toy

WHAT IS AUTISM?

Is Autism what we’ve been led to believe?

That kids have no ability to relate or conceive

They have no feelings and are unable to care

These are old perceptions - make the public aware!

Although a child looks to be physically typical

Certain characteristics point out to be clinical

Placed on a spectrum that stretches out wide

Symptoms may vary - each shows a unique side

Some kids push away but still want to be cuddled

Expressions confused - some actions are muddled

Frustrations can be many - tantrums can be grand

The simplest of steps requires hand over hand

A child may retreat to his own world to escape

To peers it’s difficult for him to relate

Some are nonverbal - they are unable to speak

Their communication skills - unmistakably weak

It starts when parents observe - as months pass

An absence in normal developing tasks

Anxiously, they wait and question for awhile

Why is there no eye contact - and baby won’t smile?

At a time when parent and child should be bonding

The diagnoses of Autism strikes as astounding

Overwhelmed by the implications of the term

There’s a need to take action and so much to learn

First parents should realize - it’s a developmental delay

They shouldn’t feel guilty that their child is this way

Throughout the process they’ll meet many a trial

But for the child’s sake – should not fall into denial

If a developmental delay is the diagnoses

Early Intervention is the ticket for a better prognosis

A child will show progress (although no guarantee)

The earlier the better through professional therapy

An Early Interventionist will work in a child’s home

Building up skills that weren’t acquired on his own

As the child gets older - a Therapeutic Support

Will guide and provide any skills fallen short

Self-Stimulating behavior such as fingers that wiggle

Can be distracted with a tickle and land in a giggle

Try sensory input - hold the child up to fly

A possible way to stop an uncontrollable cry

Therapists implement socialization with peers

Modeled words to repeat may calm a child’s fears

A picture exchange allows a choice - what to eat

Prevents a tantrum from child and the parent’s defeat

Treatment goals can quickly take hold

The younger the child the easier to mold

Professionals will join with the parents in need

They will cheer as a team as the child WILL SUCCEED

Early Intervention offers the child a chance

To form better relationships - much more enhanced

Socially relating - showing love and affection

Is most promising with the ability of early detection