Sister sees autism advances in awareness and treatment

After working with children and young adults with autism for 26 years, Sister Mary Louise Kane, PBVM, has many reasons to be hopeful about the future.

"There is a better awareness of autism," said the principal of St. Colman's Autism Program in Watervliet. "There is also a better understanding. It was like I was speaking a foreign language when I talked about autism when I first started out."

The only lifetime member of the Albany Chapter of the Autism Society of America, she is being given the group's Community Impact Award.

Progress

Sister Louise is pleased with the progress made in diagnosing and treating autism. Diagnostic improvements have helped children with the disorder get help earlier than previous generations could, she explained.

That, coupled with the federally funded Early Intervention Program, which provides educational services to preschool children, has made a difference in the long-term outcomes of children with autism.

"The support we can give today is better," she said. "It's a whole new ball game."

Students

The students at St. Colman's tend to have more severe needs, Sister Louise said.

Her program offers both a day school and a residential program. The students, who are referred by local school districts, come from all over the state. Currently, 36 students are enrolled; 21 of them live on campus.

"We're bursting at the seams," she said.

Achievements

The goal of the program is to increase academic and functional skills for employability and independent living. In addition to special education, and physical and occupational therapy, the school has a strong vocational training program.

Many of the students work in local businesses.

"Latham has really opened its arms to the kids," the nun said. "The kids have the ability to get out and be part of the community. Each child will show you what they are capable of."

Success story

One of the first students enrolled at St. Colman's was a girl who was significantly disabled by autism. In addition, she had no family.

When she came to the school, the girl wasn't able to dress herself or tie her shoes. Now in her thirties, she works in a nursing home.

"We saw her through," Sister Louise said. "She's a person with gifts and talents. Her quality of life is better than expected."

(Sister Louise was surprised to learn she was receiving the award. "Everyone else deserves the award, not me," she said. "I have the most wonderful staff. They are loving, dedicated, upbeat, positive people." She will receive the Community Impact Award with Steve Szalowski of Spectrum Life Strategies at the Albany Chapter of the Autism Society of America's sixth annual gala at the Glen Sanders Mansion in Scotia on April 25. To read about Mr. Szalowski, search for his name at www.evangelist.org. For more information or to register, visit www.albanyautism.org or call 355-2191.)

FACTS ON AUTISM

Some fundamental information on autism:

* According to the Albany Chapter of the Autism Society of America, autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life.

* Autism is the result of a neurological disorder that affects the normal functioning of the brain, impacting development in the areas of social interaction and communication skills.

* People with autism typically show difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions, and leisure or play activities.

* Autism is considered to be a "spectrum disorder," meaning that some people are mildly impaired, while others are severely impaired.

* The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention state that autism affects one out of every 150 births.

* Approximately 1.5 million Americans have autism. That figure is expected to grow to four million Americans in the next decade. (MM)

(04/03/08) [[In-content Ad]]