Library Lecture Focuses on Understanding Autism

"Autism is an epidemic, and it's spreading," said Richard Mallow, regional director for Long Island at Autism Speaks.  

Mallow recently presented a lecture at the Sayville Library. "One in every 110 childrens will be diagnosed with Autism in the U.S.  In Korea, one in every 38 children will be diagnosed. These are startling statistics, and we can do things to help."

"The research in the last 10 yeas has been unbelievable," Mallow added. "In the last five years, Autism Speaks has raised more than $200 million to go directly toward research for Autism."

Nearly five years ago, scientists agreed that Autism is genetically based, and there is an environmental trigger that is causing Autism. "We need to continue the incredible work that we've done so far," he said. "Hope goes a really, really long way."

Online tools, such as www.autismspeaks.org, can be helpful when dealing with Autism. "You will find tool kits there that are free, printable and will be extremely helpful to your loved one suffering from Autism, and your entire family," he said.

Mallow also spoke about the misconceptions of Autism, one of which is that it is a result of bad parenting. "Autism has nothing to do with bad parenting; it is sensory," he said. "Something that bothers a typical person will bother an autistic person 10 times more. It can be the lights, sounds or simply being touched on the shoulder. These things can be painful to those who suffer from Autism."

The attendees asked questions about children with Autism, some of who are being bullied in school and suffering from nightmares everyday. "We have to get everyone involved as a community to help bring us closer to a cure," Mallow said.

Mallow invited everyone to attend the Autism Walk on Oct. 2 at Jones Beach, Field 5.  "I've been told by many people at the walk that it's the only day out of 365 days they can feel normal," Mallow said.  "Everyone understands each other and is there to help."