Autism program godsend for area families coping with disorder

The autism program at Theodore Lester Elementary School in Florence is a godsend for parents and families coping with the mysterious developmental disorder.
Last week, GE Healthcare made a $2,500 contribution of supplies to the east Florence school. The act of kindness represents hope and continues to validate the hard work of staff, volunteers and parents associated with the program.
“I think it means a great deal to us to have support from the community to educate those children,” Myra Horton, applied behavior coordinator at Lester, told the Morning News. “We want to make sure that they get what they need before they leave us.”
Jim Beier, a manager at GE Healthcare whose son has autism, delivered the supplies to the school Thursday. They included books, training materials and a video camera.
Last year, GE Healthcare donated $7,500 to the program for the purchase of touch screens, benches, occupational therapy aids and construction of classroom cabinets.
“There’s a lot that goes into working with these students,” Beier said. “Most of the therapy that the students receive is given here at the school.
“If the funding is (not available), then they do without,” he said. “That’s a real shame, so we try to get them as many supplies as we can.”
More than 150 students in Florence School District 1 have been diagnosed with autism. Nearly half take classes at Lester.
The Lester program has been praised widely praised for helping students with autism build social and communication skills and for helping parents understand the realities of the disorder.
The gift comes at a vital time for those involved in the treatment of autism — not only locally, but nationally. Advocates are battling to raise awareness, keep money in government budgets and force insurance companies to approve treatment.
Parents of autistic children have written and talked about the heartbreak they experience in learning of the diagnosis.
But because of programs, such as the classes at Lester, parents find themselves connected with services, other parents and information for getting help for their children.
Raising an autistic child changes a parent’s life forever. It creates stress and a maze of frustration.
Autism is the fastest-growing developmental disorder in this country. The trend is expected to continue. No one knows why. Perhaps it’s a combination of environmental and genetic factors.
Actress Jenny McCarthy has led a high-profile campaign, attempting to link vaccines to autism, though the medial community has criticized her for a lack of scientific evidence.
There’s no debating this fact. If children do not receive the assistance they need, they’ll need more — and costlier — help later in life.
Children require speech, occupational and physical therapy and behavioral services.
Fortunately, the Lester program fosters supportive and loving environments that benefit students and parents.
Children with autism often have few social skills. The lack of pretense also brings refreshing honesty and an angelic quality that makes them precious and special.
We encourage readers to find out more about autism. Have patience for children and their parents. Embrace work in the community to unlock autism’s secrets.

— Unsigned editorials represent the views of this newspaper. Editorial board members are Mark Laskowski (regional publisher), James Bennett (regional editor), Sam Bundy (sports editor), Kimberly Ginfrida (news editor), David Johnson (regional circulation director), Charles Tomlinson (Lake City News & Post editor) and Jackie Torok (metro editor).