Easterseals celebrates Autism Acceptance Month

Six months ago, Samson Whaley, age 2 1/2, of Dover, was not speaking. Now, not only can he communicate his needs and likes, but he can name over 100 animals. What changed? The introduction of Easterseals children’s therapies, including Applied Behavior Analysis, and occupational, physical and speech therapies.

“Early intervention is key. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Take it one day at a time,” said his mother, Samantha. “Everyone at Easterseals is amazing. They truly care about and understand him. They listen to me when I have concerns and hear what I have to say. That is important.”

Easterseals celebrates National Autism Acceptance Month in April to promote an understanding and acceptance of autism, as well as the supportive services that can create a more inclusive community. Easterseals meets the needs of this population through a myriad of services, including adult day programs, supported employment services, children’s therapy services, services for caregivers, and Camp Fairlee, an accessible camp for children and adults with disabilities, including autism.

When Samson was 1, he started babbling, but by 15 months old, he had stopped communicating. Despite his parents’ best efforts to figure out his needs, Samson was frustrated and had meltdowns. He also stayed up until 5 a.m., throwing off the balance in the house with two older siblings. Easterseals therapies helped the family find stability and sleep again.

“Easterseals is my second family. They have been such a blessing to us as a family. They include our older children in therapy to help them understand Samson, too,” Samantha said. “Adding a speech device opened so many doors for him. Easterseals gave us the tools to understand Samson, even if he does not use words. That is powerful!”

Easterseals ABA therapists provide Samson with therapy five times a week for two hours per day. It has become part of Samson’s routine and has helped him make great progress. ABA helps Samson communicate, respond to his own name, clean up and follow one-step directions. In his other therapies, he is working on keeping his shoes on, climbing stairs, touching various textures, using utensils, and growing his vocabulary through verbal communication or his speech device to express his feelings and likes/dislikes.

“Don’t worry about what your child is not doing. Look at the positive. Focus on the power of the word ‘yet.’ Just because they aren’t doing it at the same time as others doesn’t mean they won’t do it in their own time,” Samantha said. “Some days I get stuck in amazement at what he is able to do.”

Applied Behavior Analysis therapy programs help increase language and communication skills, and improve attention, focus, social skills, memory and academics by teaching new skills. Family education and support are also critical components when working with very young children. Studies show that ABA therapy is most impactful when it starts before age 2.

Easterseals Delaware & Maryland’s Eastern Shore is leading the way to an inclusive community through its innovative services, which include: children’s therapies, day programs for adults with physical or intellectual disabilities, supported employment, senior services, recreational camping, respite services, and services for caregivers. To learn more about Easterseals, call 1-800-677-3800 or visit de.easterseals.com.