Autism Summit attracts hundreds

TRC's first Educational Summit was such a success, plans already are being made to do it again next year on a larger scale.

Theinaugural Informational Summit on Autism was held April 9 and 10. The event — co-sponsored by The Resource Center, TRC Foundation and the International Order of the King's Daughters and Sons — attracted more than 260 people, including a person from Oklahoma. Parents, educators and providers attended the event.

The summit's first day, held at the Chautauqua Suites Meeting and Expo Center, included three concurrent sessions. Dr. Robert Ellis, TRC's Senior Psychologist, presenting on “The Dance of the Broken Brain”, while Dr. Mary Rockey, Director of Educational Services and Staff Training, instructed on "Teaching How We Learn". There also was a parent panel called "Autism Everyday!" that included a local representative from the national Autism Speaks! organization as well as the parents who crusaded to have New York State enact Jonathan's Law, which gives families greater access to records of children living in residential facilities.

The summit's second day took place at Chautauqua Institution and consisted of a daylong presentation by William Stillman on the topic, "Demystifying Autism from the Inside Out". Stillman, who experiences life on the autistic spectrum, is a powerful speaker who touched everyone present with his message about the sameness of every human being.

Autism is a neurological condition that impacts speech, body movement and social aptitude. There is a wide range of types and degree of intensity, and there is no single known cause. Current federal statistics indicate that about one of every 150 Americans has some degree of autism, and autism is more prevalent in males. While many people with autism also have a cognitive impairment such as mental retardation, many others do not. Many people with autism lead productive, fulfilling lives and are capable of wonderful accomplishments.

One man with autism who has developed into a fine musician is Nick Kilpatrick of Jamestown. Nick, who participates in The Resource Center’s Day Habilitation and Work Center programs, has been playing guitar for 11 years. Though his grandfather taught him a few chords, Nick essentially is self-taught on the instrument. In addition, he is a prolific songwriter.

Nick was asked if he would play guitar between conference sessions on the first day of the Autism Summit, and he readily accepted. Nick played three original songs to rousing applause from the audience. Though a bit nervous at first because he had never before performed in front of such a large audience, Nick did a great job and enjoyed the experience.

“I’m feeling it,” he said with a wide grin. “This is awesome!”

Buoyed by the event's success, organizers already have begun planning a second Educational Summit on Autism for 2009. The hope is to have the event stretch over three days, tentatively identified as March 31 to April 2.

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As with many developmental delays, autism is best treated if diagnosed at an early age. For a listing of developmental milestones and warning signs, click here. And if you suspect a developmental delay exists, The Resource Center can assess your child to see if there is indeed a problem. If a developmentally delay is indicated, TRC can recommend therapies designed to help your child catch up with his or her peers. Call 661-1058 for information.