Pal of the possum

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By Diane Strand An increasing number of children across the country-in some areas, almost epidemic proportions-are being diagnosed with autism. Other children may present some of the same symptoms. DeKalb Student Services Director Kari Cremascoli says the district has seen a steady increase but no major spike in autism among the student population. This fall, the district is launching a new program designed for autistic children and others with similar symptoms. The program is called Bridges and will be based at Lincoln Elementary School where the new principal will be Kristy Meyer. Meyer has had prior experience with autism at North Elementary School in Sycamore. The teacher for the program, Linnae Ihm, has a master's degree in autism from NIU. Meyer and Ihm are both in touch with the latest research findings and teaching techniques used to help kindergartners, first and second graders in the program get the most out of their education. What are some of the symptoms? The web site, Neurologychannel, describes several and explains: Some characteristics may appear during infancy, and autism usually is diagnosed by the age of 3. Sometimes the child's development appears normal until about age 2, and then regresses rapidly. Symptoms of autism vary widely and range in severity. Among them are: * abnormal responses to sensory stimuli; * touches may be experienced as painful (with the senses both over- or underactive) and smells may be overwhelmingly unpleasant; * ordinary daily noises may be painful, and loud noises and bright lights may cause inconsolable crying. The Web site also lists some other signs of the disorder in which the infant: * appears indifferent to surroundings; * appears content to be alone, happier to play alone; * displays lack of interest in toys; * displays lack of response to others; * does not point out objects of interest to others (called protodeclarative pointing) * shows a marked reduction or increase in activity level; * resists cuddling The Web site also explains: &#8220Young children with autism usually have impaired language development. They often have difficulty expressing needs (i.e., use gestures instead of words) and may laugh, cry or show distress for unknown reasons. Some autistic patients develop rudimentary language skills that do not serve as an effective form of communication. They may develop abnormal patterns of speech that lack intonation and expression and may repeat words or phrases. They may resist changes in their routine, repeat actions over and over, and engage in self-injurious behavior (e.g., bite or scratch themselves or bang their head). They often may have behavioral outbursts, and make little or no eye contact. The DeKalb School District uses an inclusion approach, in which children go to regular classes but are pulled out for extra support by Ihm. She notes that each student (there tend to be more boys than girls) has different strengths and needs. Their day will be structured. &#8220The main thing that they need is some kind of schedule,” Ihm said. They need a very organized program. Some children do better learning through picture boards and with other visual materials. Some children will come to Lincoln from the district's preschool program at Brooks Elementary School. &#8220There is a better understanding of what autism is now than 10 years ago,” Ihm said. Cremascoli commented, &#8220I think it will be very successful, but it's not the one and only way to address autism...There is a range of student needs.” &#8220We're looking forward to a good year.” Cremascoli said, &#8220We've had a good response from the community and Lincoln School has taken great steps (to prepare for the Bridges Program.” Meyer echoed her statement, adding, &#8220I can say that the staff and parents will be very happy and will include all of the Bridges students and families in the community.”