Autism Seldom Walks Alone

Celebrating Mental Health Awareness Month Beyond May

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. It is often said that “Autism seldom walks alone,” meaning that Autistics often face health challenges apart from those associated with their Autism. Depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder and eating disorders are prominent in the Autistic community. Suicide is a leading cause of early death for Autistic people, particularly those without co-occurring

learning disabilities (the folks previously diagnosed as “Aspergers”) – they are seven times more likely to die by suicide than non-Autistic peers. For more statistics, visit the Autism Society of America's website.


It can be complicated to figure out what behaviors are the result of Autism and, therefore, require support and accommodations and which are attributable to a mental health condition requiring medical intervention or therapy. As parents, we need to be ready to question educators, therapists, and medical professionals about whether there may be mental health issues, as well as Autism, and to advocate for

appropriate treatment.


My son, Kieran, became extremely testy around the age of 16. Despite his circuitous language patterns, we soon understood that he had, for the first time, realized that he was different from his peers in more than just superficial ways. His teammates were getting their driver's licenses. He was not. We were lucky to get an appointment with a psychiatrist, who diagnosed depression and prescribed a small

dose of Zoloft. Within weeks, Kieran was no longer irritable and sad.


If you are concerned about a loved one's mental health, Milestones Autism Resources has created a Mental Health Toolkit available in both English and Spanish versions. This could be a good place to start. And, of course, the Autism Society of Ohio Resource Specialist is only a phone call away at 614-495-7551.


With gratitude,

Kathi J. Machle, President | kathi@autismohio.org


PHOTO: The connection between physical well-being and mental health is well-established. This photo of Kieran (above) was taken after he completed a 5K run on Thanksgiving Day. His smile says it all!

FEATURED PROGRAMMING

New Resource Guide!


The Autism Society of Ohio was just awarded a grant from the Hussman Foundation to create a statewide resource guide. The guide will list available Autism resources by Ohio county and will be available for download on the ASO website. If you have suggestions for resources to be included, please email them to kathi@autismohio.org.

AUTISM SOCIETY NEAR ME

An Autism Family Celebration Day

ASMV’s WARRIOR offers Games, Competitions, and Support Resources


The Autism Society of Mahoning Valley is proud to host its fifth annual Autism WARRIOR event on Saturday, June 1, at the Canfield Fairgrounds. The largest autism family event of the year for the Youngstown area, this inspiring event celebrates the unity and joy of the local Autism community while promoting inclusivity and support and raising important programming funds.


This vibrant event offers a variety of activities designed to engage and delight attendees of all ages and abilities.

Highlights include

  • a Family Fun Carnival featuring free games, a petting zoo, and food trucks, as well as an Autism Family Fun Walk and a Special Needs Resource Fair.
  • a Competitive portion, with a 5K run, a People-Powered Tractor Pull, and a 4-event Mahoning Valley Warrior Competition.


Participants are encouraged to form teams, raise funds, and join in the festivities with the larger community, fostering a sense of community and shared joy.

To be part of this remarkable celebration and support these efforts, register today at AutismWarriorMV.org.

SUPPORT OUR MISSION

As the prevalence of Autism rises, the demand for enhanced resources, including local programs and services for individuals and families throughout Ohio communities, also escalates. To meet this need, ASO collaborates with the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles to provide an Ohio Autism Awareness license plate. 



The specialty license plate costs $35 annually, with $25 used for advocacy, Autism family support, and programming by us and local affiliates statewide.

PURCHASE YOUR PLATE

NEWS FROM THE STATEHOUSE

This month, ASO is writing Ohio legislators to encourage their support of House Bill 321 to establish a statewide 911 special needs database. This bill would provide emergency responders with information about individuals with special needs to increase the effectiveness of their emergency response.


The information provided would improve communication, sensory, allergy, and medical information to help emergency personnel respond most effectively to the emergency. Participation in the service would be on an “opt-in” basis, similar to Ohio's Communication Disability law.


NEWS FROM CAPITOL HILL

Water Bead Ban Bill 

On the national level, the Autism Society of America is following the a ban on sensory water beads. This month

Senators Bob Casey (D-PA), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), and Susan Collins (R-ME) introduced “Esther’s Law” on May 9. This bipartisan legislation is aimed at banning the sale of water beads marketed to children.


This bill, named in memory of Esther Jo Bethard, who passed away after swallowing water beads, aims to prevent similar incidents that have led to thousands of hospitalizations in recent years. The legislation also directs the Consumer Product Safety Commission to establish regulations, including warning labels, on water beads to protect children and pets. Esther’s Law has garnered support from various organizations advocating for child safety, including major retailers and medical associations. ASA supports this legislation. 

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P.O. Box 545, Worthington, Ohio 43085

Email: info@autismohio.org 614.495.7551 autismohio.org