Story touched part of autism’s heartache

As the grandfather of an autistic boy, I was happy to see that the

Daily Pilot is covering the topic of autism (“Waiting for her voice,”

April 20). However, there were a few facts that were not mentioned or

that I did not agree with.

First, autism is a serious epidemic in the state of California.

The diagnosis rate has grown 273% in the last 10 years. I know of no

other developmental disability that has that type of staggering

statistic. Autism doe not get the type of publicity that other

disabilities get, nor are people aware of the tireless efforts of the

many hard working parents.

Second, the attorney working for the family, Jack Anthony, was

quoted as saying that “studies show if children begin to receive

treatment before age 3, they are more likely to ‘recover.’”

It is highly unlikely that most children with autism “recover.” I

believe using a statement such as that gives parents false hopes.

My grandson was diagnosed at 2 years old and received early,

intensive intervention, speech therapy, occupational therapy, a

special diet, medical interventions and other treatments. He is now 7

years old and is pretty much the same. He is autistic.

The family still has hopes that he will progress and hopes he will

be functional in society, but I don’t think he will ever “recover.”

Most likely he may be in some type of group home or institution when

he gets older.

Obviously, one can never give up, and you must provide a free and

appropriate education for these individuals. His parents work very

hard at getting all the services (which the Newport-Mesa Unified

School District is very good at giving when asked) and are doing all

the appropriate therapies for their autistic child.

There are some children that do recover, but that is very rare.

Needless to say, these children need serious therapies, which are

costly to the parents and the school districts. I do applaud the pro

bono work of this attorney and the others to get Sahar Barkzay the

services she deserves by law. It is nice to see a community rally

around this family, which has been afflicted with autism.

However, in the end, it is the parents who suffer the most because

they will be caring for their child for the rest of their lives.

Unfortunately, they are the heroes.

D. STEWART

Costa Mesa