For many people the word autism is synonymous with lost hope. Images of Dustin Hoffman in “Rainman” and young non-verbal children have become the public image of this disorder that is far more complex and common than one assumes. The cause is unknown; some blame mercury in childhood vaccines some look at heredity links. Regardless of the cause each year more Americans are diagnosed with this disorder. Symptoms include delayed language skills, cognitive delays, repetitious body motions, and a limited ability to understand social rules.

Some people with autism are able to lead fairly independent and productive lives. Others are unable to master language skills or socially interact with others. For two Vermonters this territory is a well-traveled road. Bev Frost, 64, of Sheffield has been fighting the system most of her son’s life. Though he was technically diagnosed at the age of 37 he has a long history of special needs. Frost had to leave Vermont to get any services for her son. Frost knows that people with “autism need special supports but often can function well if given these supports.” Though he is a college graduate he needs vocational help and adult social skills training.

Frost is frustrated by the lack of state support for adults with autism. Frost is just one of the many seniors in Vermont who deal with autism on a daily basic and worry that when they die there will not be the support needed for their children. “I hope somehow that before I die my son can get the help he needs. I am scared because the state of Vermont seems to have no interest in this group.”

Like most mothers of autistic children Frost wonders what caused her son to develop this disorder. “There has got to be a reason why we have gone from one person in many thousands to one person in 166 with autism today. The answer is not just that we are diagnosing more but that these kids are the canaries in the cage and something is giving them autism.”

For Betsy Stevens of Williston autism is a way of life. This vital grandmother remembers the number of doctor visits and evaluations before her granddaughter was diagnosed. Stevens admits, “it’s hard to take when you find our someone you love has autism “But while experts debate the
causes and cures for autism this grandmother want people to “just love the autistic person in your live and believe in your faith.”

Autism effects all ages. Across Vermont parents and grandparents struggle to understand this disorder that manifests itself in so many different ways. Autism is the fasted growing serious developmental disability in the United States, a new case is diagnosed every 20 min. Often times Vermont seniors are called upon to provide care and supervision for their children and grandchildren who walk a path filled with hurdles and a string of small achievements.

The first inaugural Northern New England Vermont Walk for Autism research will be held October 1, 2006 in Battery Park in Burlington. The walk starts at 10am. For more information contact Angela Timpone at atimpone@adelphia.net or 238-1572.

Autism is a disorder that all Vermonters of every age group need to be aware of and address. Autism Speaks is dedicated to funding research, prevention, treatment, and to find a cure.

Sarah Lemnah writes on senior issues for the Champlain Valley Agency on Aging. This article originally appeared in the Burlington Free Press.