Why You Are Hearing More about Autism
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by: Barbara Coppo
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Vallejo, CA – It has been a high profile year for autism. A severely autistic Minnesota boy was banned from church. An autistic kindergartner in Florida was voted out of class. A mother and her autistic son were thrown off an American Airlines flight at Raleigh-Durham International Airport. And another mother and autistic toddler were kicked off an airplane in Houston reportedly because the boy was repeating ‘bye, bye plane’ during the safety speech.
“There is so much Americans need to learn about living in this world with Autistic children,” says Barbara Coppo, mother of an autistic boy and author of “The Boy In The Window.”
Perhaps we are hearing more about autism in the news because there are more autistic children in America than ever before. The CDC’s most recent study estimates one out of every 150 children over the age of 8 is autistic or suffers from a related disorder. Today, 560 thousand Americans under the age of 21 have autism. That number is hundreds of thousands higher than just 30 years ago.
Autism may frighten people because so little is known about the disorder. The cause has not been scientifically proven and the victims often act in ways society doesn’t understand.
“We were told by doctors and professionals to institutionalize him because of his extreme behaviors and inability to adapt socially,” reveals Coppo, who is 66 and credits daily exercise for helping her sustain the energy to care for Kenny. Coppo and her husband Ken, married 46 years, says an institution was never an option for Kenny, because his home is with them, “We love him so much in spite of his required 24/7 care.”
Four times more boys, like Kenny, are affected than girls. Autism strikes between the ages of 1 and 3 and affects the victim for the rest of his or her life. Though most autistic children have trouble functioning normally in society many have special gifts. Coppo says Kenny is a math wiz.
“The ability and knowledge that someone like him can have is a miracle,” she continues, “but it’s a shame that it can easily be overlooked.” She credits the different aides who worked with Kenny over several years for helping to unlock his “uncanny abilities,” which can go way beyond the normal.
Despite his extraordinary gifts, Coppo still worries about her now nearly 30-year-old son, “He can and solves incredibly hard math problems, but if our house is burning down, he wouldn’t have the common sense to get the heck out and would probably resist our efforts to rescue him.” Most times, she admits, he’s his own worst enemy.
While little is known about autism, the discrimination now permeating the news may be just the beginning. As the number of autistic children skyrockets Americans will have to learn to live in society alongside these unique individuals. It may be up to parents of autistic children to help break down the barriers of misunderstanding.
“I was once told by a psychologist that I would eventually grow to resent my son from the burden of raising him,” Coppo candidly reflects. “While I cry over my worries for Kenny, the truth is I love him more each day.” Adding, “My mysterious son has taught me the true value of what is really precious in life and what is worth fighting for. I guess that makes him the best gift I could have ever gotten.”
About the Author
Barbara Coppo, 66, has spent nearly three decades caring for her autistic son, Kenny, who is 29-years-old. As chronicled in her book, “The Boy in the Window: A Journey Through an Unexpected Tragedy,” she and her husband, Ken, of 46 years had a perfectly healthy baby boy until 19 months old, when he suffered irreversible brain damage from the D.P.T. vaccination. Kenny became autistic, started having seizures and uncontrollable behaviors. Barbara’s story is filled with love, frustration, humor and tells of the endless journey she is on to improve the quality of life of her autistic – and gifted – son, Kenny, “The Boy in the Window.” (www.TheBoyInTheWindowBook.com)
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