AMITA shines a blue light on Autism Awareness

The most stress-reducing and calming color is blue and it's perfect that on National Autism Awareness Day, AMITA Health celebrated by "lighting it up blue." On April 2, the health system's facilities turned their outdoor lights blue and the women and children's hospital shone in the color of the sky and seas. According to Maria Bellantuono, the Clinical Director of the Autism Spectrum and Developmental Disorders Resource Center (ASDDRC), even associates donned blue that day. "We will be sending out awareness email blasts with information on Autism Spectrum Disorder throughout the month; we'll have informational tables at various sites; and the month will end with an AMITA team at the Autism Speaks Walk on June 1 in Chicago."

ASDDRC, under Bellantuono's direction, helps the underserved and identifies any gaps in services. "We have a team of six individuals dedicated to do all they can to help anyone who contacts the center," she explained. "As director, I make sure our team is engaged with the community and we have the latest information to help the families. We provide training on autism to the community and within our system."

The number of services is impressive including free screenings for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), resource assessments and consultations. "Our goal is to help families navigate the overwhelming world of ASD and connect them with appropriate resources," she said. "We want families to know they have a place to call with any question and we will do our best to help because we realize how important community is in raising a child. We collaborate with community partners such as Northwest Special Recreation and Northwest Special Education Co-Op, and are part of the Northwest Autism Consortium Group."

Ballantuono, MA, LCPC, NCC, explained that each child with Autism Spectrum Disorder is unique, so treatment and education should be individualized. "It helps to keep in mind that an ASD diagnosis does not define a child, it is something a child has," she reminded. "We should build on children's strengths and give them opportunities to be children."

What do you do when your child has been diagnosed? "First consider recommendations made by the diagnosing physician," she said. "Early intervention is important and should be one of the first steps. Then continuing onto school, keep informed about teaching methods for your child." Today, there are myriad therapies from which families can choose. "We continue to recommend evidence based interventions that meet best practices such as applied behavior analysis also known as ABA therapy. At the ASDDRC, we provide individual therapy, social skills groups, and parent training."

The expert noted that consistency and structure are very helpful for children with ASD. "If families are unsure what to do, they can always call (847) 755-8536 and ask for the AMITA-MB-AHBHHHE Resource Center; or email AHBHHHEResourceCenter@amitahealth.org. It's a free service."