Terri Ferrell is busy working from her Lynnfield, Mass., home. She’s, among other things, navigating through her daily tasks, and has mom-duties to think about. Her and her husband are parents to two growing boys – Conor, 10, and his seven-year-old brother.
Conor has autism.
She and her husband suspected there was something different about Conor. The doctor kept telling them not to worry, she said in a recent phone conversation. After getting Conor his measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) shots, they were concerned their son was deaf.
“We took him to an audiologist and we were told his hearing was fine,” Terri said. “We knew something was wrong. We freaked out when we read a news article.”
What is Autism?
According to the Autism Speaks website, it is estimated that three to six out of every 1,000 children in the United States have autism – and the number of diagnosed cases is rising. Autism is one of a group of series developmental problems called autism spectrum disorders (ASD) that appear in early childhood, usually before age 3. Through symptoms and severity vary, all autism disorders affect a child's ability to communicate and interact with others.
How Conor Progressed
Finally, by the time he was two, it was determined that Conor had autism. By then, Terri had just started a new full-time job and changed her priorities.
“When he was first diagnosed, we were numb. It’s like they throw you down a well and yell ‘good luck,” she continued. “It’s really overwhelming at first.”
Within six weeks of his diagnosis, occupational therapists, physical therapists and behaviorists visited Conor. By the age of three, he made progress, and transitioned into the public school system.
Proactive Parenting and Networking
Terri said that she and her husband were diligent in finding resources and avenues to connect Conor with other autistic children, and network with other parents sharing the same stories. Among the activities she learned about was music therapy.
“We got him in that once a week,” Terri said. “It’s a great way to allow him to express himself.”
Conor’s diverse playlists include High School Musical 1, 2 and 3, Bob Marley, Coldplay, Keane, U2, Kelly Clarkson and Kids Bop.
“At eight, he started piano lessons with a woman who teaches both typical and non-typical kids,” Terri said. “He has a real affinity for music. He enjoys listening to his iPod.”
Sports Can Be Hit or Miss
Terri said that other clubs and activities can be “hit or miss.”
“We tried him in the gym and swim program and that was disastrous,” she said. “The volunteers kept rotating. Autistic children need routine. We tried another swim program where it’s the same coach (a high school swim team member from Phillips Andover Academy) every time and it’s been phenomenal.
“He has been in a swim program for four years. He loves it. He has progressed from barely touching his toes in the water to swimming laps and playing in the deep end.”
Conor also plays on a Special Olympics soccer team. Terri said she’s noticed that while Special Olympics has in the past featured more Down Syndrome and other mentally handicapped athletes, it’s her inclination that the soccer program has shifted to more autistic athletes. But, she said, the coaches and volunteers are seeing the change in every sport.
“Team sports are difficult,” she said. “There’s too much going on, they can’t process it all at once.”
She laughingly said that Conor has acquired a tenacious soccer mentality.
“He will say to the goalie ‘get out of my way, I’m trying to score a goal!’” she said. “It’s funny in a way. It’s fun to watch – slower paced but they work within the child’s skill set. The coaches are actually from Ireland and Britain. Conor is learning ball skills, and allowing him to feel good about himself. His peers see him doing these outside sports.”
Autism Speaks Opens New Opportunities
Through organizations like Autism Speaks Boston, Terri said that opportunities for Conor to participate have increased substantially. She said that while they haven’t hit his teenage years yet, she’s already anticipating teen-centered programming.
She’s pleased with Conor’s involvement in music and swimming.
“I’m amazed at how much he has developed with both mediums,” she said. “Music has helped his math skills – I’m convinced – and swimming has bolstered his confidence.”
Autism Speaks features current resources for all 50 States, as well as links to Autism Speaks Canada, United Kingdom and Middle East. Visit Autism Speaks.
Sources
Terri Farrell phone interview February 9.
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