US-based parents of autistic son share coping information at weekend workshop

Parents of children on the autism spectrum in St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG), can now look forward to more support options following a workshop by the non-profit organization ‘Autism Who Knew’.

The workshop, held on November 26 at Frenches House was titled ‘Meet the Morgans’ and took the form of a “open and frank conversation” about the autism journey of Christopher and Rosanne Morgan with their 20-year-old son Zane, who is on the spectrum.

The couple has one older child, a daughter, Zoe.

The Morgans, who live in the United States, shared with the audience, anecdotes about life with Zane, stressing the importance of early diagnosis, establishing and seeking out support mechanisms, tips on how to deal with disruptive behaviour, avoiding triggers, the importance of school and home being on the same page, and care of self and of other family members.

Rosanne, who was born and raised in St Vincent and the Grenadines described methods of restraining a child with autism “without yelling or hitting” as this “does not work” and teaches the child “bad behaviour to a 10th power”.

In addition, she noted that in her case, her son is much taller and stronger than she is, so she has had no choice but to learn other methods like negotiating with him or redirecting his attention.

She also cautioned parents who have other children who are not on the autism spectrum to not neglect them.

“I know it’s hard because sometimes that mainstream child feels neglected or feels as though all the energy is always going to that other child.”

The strain on the relationship between parents that comes raising a child with special needs was acknowledged, but men were encouraged to be present in the child’s life as their “strength” makes the journey much easier.

The Morgans also reminded parents to get other people of different age groups to commit to being an advocate for the autistic person for the time when they are no longer around.

Acknowledging that support services for families with children with special needs are difficult to come by, even in the United States, Rosanne shared that she and Naseem Smith, principal of the School for Children with Special Needs (SCSN), Kingstown had spoken about the formation of an online parent support group.

“ So you will get help with…a behavioural therapist; we have a child psychiatrist, so you can ask questions, and they may give you assignments for your child…then you come back and tell us in two months…in two weeks what the progress was.”

A pre-recorded presentation by Charlene Roundtree, a US-based social worker, behaviour intervention specialist, certified health and life coach was played.

“…I encourage you to work with your children, as frustrating as they can be at times to never give up,” Roundtree said.

She reiterated the importance of sleep, diet, massage and the use of sensory toys like trampolines, brushes, seashells and sandpaper which worked for her in calming her son.

The workshop was attended by persons living with autism and members of their families, teachers of children with special needs and other interested persons.

Patents and caregivers in attendance shared their experiences and coping mechanisms.

Eric George, a young man living on the autism spectrum gave an outstanding impromptu rendition of Kirk Franklin’s song “My life is in your hands.”

Autism Who Knew also presented to the local schools for children with special needs a number of pressure vests, which are used to calm people with autism and help them to focus.

During the handing over of the vests, Michelle Stowe, a teacher from the School for Children with Special Needs in Bequia thanked the Morgans for sharing their “expert knowledge” and supported their call for a parent support system to be established.

“It is important that you find a support amongst yourself parents because…[every] child is not the same. Not all of them will experience the same emotions, not all of them will be triggered the same way.

“So it is good for you to have a support system among yourself where you can share information where you can find that balance amongst yourself.”

Rosanne is also the author of the ‘Hey Rosie’ column in the Weekend SEARCHLIGHT.