Chickasha Rotary Club

Chickasha Rotary Club
March 10, 2016

 

Guest:  Tim Elliot's daughter Lidia 
Visiting Rotarian:  Austin Kitsch

 

Boy's State applications need to get to Garry McNat. 
Thank you note was read from John Herndon and Family

Nathan:  Rotary Run report.  He sent around a couple of signup sheets for shirts and volunteer for the run.  Also a sponsor list went around.

 

 

David Hall, Rotarian of the Day, introduced his program Ginger with Oklahoma Parents Center Autism Workshop.   

IDEA. Defines Autism:  means a developmental disability significantly affecting verbal and nonverbal communication and social interaction, generally evident before age three, that adversely affects a child's educational performance.  Other characteristics often associated with autism are engagement in repetitive activities and stereotyped movements, resistance to environmental change or change in daily routines, and unusual responses to sensory experiences.  

An acrostic was share about Autism.  Always Unique Totally Intelligent Sometimes Mysterious 

What causes Autism:  First and foremost there is not one answer for the cause just as there is not one type of autism. Over the last five years, scientists have identified a number of rare gene changes, or mutations, associated with autism.  A small number of these are sufficient to cause autism by themselves.  Most cases it is caused by a combination of genetic risk factors and environmental factors influencing early brian development.  

Symptoms:  Doesn't respond to name by 12 months of age; avoids eye-contact, prefers to play alone, does not share interests with other, only interacts to achieve a desired goal, has flat or inappropriate facial expressions, does not understand personal space boundaries, avoids or resists physical contact, is not comforted by others during distress, has trouble understanding other people's feelings or talking about own feelings. 

There is no cure but there are treatments: Early interventions is the key, treatment is most successful when it is individualized to the child's needs, and an experienced team should design the treatment plan for a particular child's needs.  Occupational Therapy; Physical Therapy; Speech-Language Therapy.  Some include educational/behavioral interventions; medications; and other therapies.  

There are resources;  Oklahoma Autism Network; project peak; autism center of Tulsa; Autism Speaks 
Oklahoma Parents Center 877-553-4332

 

Thanks David for a great program