Yvonnie Bailey- Davidson

Dear Counsellor:

My child has been diagnosed with autism. I understand that he will need therapy and specialised tutoring. Could you give me some information on autism?

- Joanna

Dear Joanna:

Autism has become a common diagnosis but it's cause is not yet known. What is known is that there is something wrong with the brain in its development.

Autism is considered one of the developmental disorders. There are various individuals who work with children who have autism. There are the neurologists, speech and language therapists, psychiatrists, paediatricians, special educators and occupational therapists. Each person has a role in the management of children with autism. As a team, the objectives are to develop the child to his full potential and make him a useful member of society.

Parents are trained in behaviour management and assisted to teach the child adaptive skills. The intelligence level of children with autism varies from mental retardation to above average. The main caregivers are the family doctor and the paediatrician.

The signs and symptoms of autism sometimes change with time. When the child is taught to socialise, to communicate, to speak, his behaviour will improve to 'normal'. Parents should build up their support system to get the help they need.

Informed decisions

Getting a friend to act as babysitter is quite helpful to the parent. You will have to research the topic of autism so that you can gather relevant information to make informed decisions.

Many preparatory schools are accepting children with developmental disabilities and provide the specialised education that they need. When your child enters school, you will need to speak with the teachers and principals about your son's condition so that the school can help him.

Some conditions like hearing impairment and visual impairment can compound the problem. Your son needs his eyes checked by an ophthalmologist and his hearing checked by an audiologist.

Schizophrenicin London

Dear Counsellor:

I am a regular reader of your articles on the Internet. I find them to be inspiring and helpful. I live in London and I have schizophrenia. I take my medication daily and have a job. I would encourage all persons to read the articles in The Gleaner.

- Matthew

Dear Matthew:

Thanks for reading my articles and sharing with others. There are many Jamaicans living in England who have been diagnosed with schizophrenia.

The patients in Jamaica have been encouraged to take their medication to prevent relapses. Non-compliance with medications and office visits is a big problem. I am looking forward to the day when the resources are allocated for a comprehensive, home-based programme to help the patients and their family to cope with the illness.

Nurses do home visits to check on their patients and to administer injections and provide medication. It is unfortunate that lack of insight is such a big problem with people who have a mental illness. Many individuals do not realise that having a mental illness is like having diabetes mellitus and hypertension. If you do not take your medication, you will get sick and will be unable to function.

Medication

There is hope for a brighter future as there are medications that are patient friendly. Another plus is introducing home-based care and short-term hospitalisation with sheltered employment, housing and subsidised health care.

Patients with schizophrenia can function well in their family, work and community life.

Contact Dr. Yvonnie Bailey-Davidson at 791-1778 or 978-8602, or email yvonniebd@hotmail.com.