Two weeks ago, shock-jock Mike Savage made some disparaging remarks about Autistic children and their parents. He called these children “brats” and said “Autism was the result of bad parenting.” This comment sent the Autistic world into a tizzy. The National Autism Association demanded an apology and some thought he should be fired. It was an insensitive comment coming from someone who apparently knows nothing about Autism.

On Aug. 1 in Robertsdale, there will be a conference on this very topic of Autism sponsored by the Center For Autism and Asperger Resources to increase the understanding for many in the community who have to care for these children. What a wonderful opportunity for anyone who is curious or who knows children with this disorder to learn more and help educate others in their community.

When I was at college, I had the opportunity to study this medical phenomenon and work with a child who had autism. No one knows what causes it and it is certainly not the result of bad parenting as some might think. From the days of the 80s when ADHD was the code word for "give the child Ritalin and everything will be alright", this is completely different.

From the National Institute of Neurological Disorders, they explain Autism as a condition you are born with that impairs communication and social interaction with other people. It is a developmental disorder, which can be diagnosed as early as infancy. Babies with autism may be unresponsive to people or focus intently on one item to the exclusion of others for long periods of time. A child with autism may appear to develop normally and then withdraw and become indifferent to social interaction avoiding any eye contact. It is difficult to understand why a child has this disorder and the medical world does not know why this occurs, but there are ways to live it. There are many different levels of autism with the worst being no human interaction at all and repetitive rocking or twirling with self-abusive behavior such as head banging and biting to a more mild form of Autism. Children who have well-developed language skills but autistic behaviors such as social withdrawal, and hand wringing are often diagnosed with what is called Asperger syndrome.

There is treatment for this disorder and many children with autism change with time as they grow up to lead normal or near normal lives. The Center for Autism and Asperger Syndrome in Robertsdale is doing a great service to the community on August 1st and many children will benefit from the information shared.

As caring people of Baldwin County we can ignore snide remarks from those who do not know the truth about Autism and help others to understand a disorder that is as mysterious as a growing baby inside a mother’s womb.

Loxley resident Valerie J. Steimle is the author of two books, “Home Is Where The Heart Is, A look at strengthening the American Family,” and her latest book, “Home Is Where The Learning Is” (www.amazon.com/gp/product/1403379637). Contact her at valeriesteimle@yahoo.com or visit her website at www.stengthenyourhome.com.