Autism program brings new hope

Andrew Mathieson
DESPAIR has turned to hope for Debra-Lee Miraglia from the times when grandson Jacob threw tantrums every time he hopped into the car.
This wasn’t some spoilt kid.
A paediatric assessment soon revealed all Jacob’s problems boiled down to acute autism.
“He had a fear of going shopping so getting him out of the house was a major drama,” Mrs Miraglia said.
“He’d scream if you tried.”
It was less than two years ago when the presence of strangers – even in the safety of the family’s Norlane home – would scare Jacob.
“His fear of people and wanting to hide is definitely one of the signs,” she said.
“They’re very sensitive to the noises around him and their surrounds. If people came around, he’d hide underneath the table or chair.”
Now his nanna can smile.
Since heavy medication seemed the only solution to curb nightmares most nights, the five-year-old is a changed boy.
Local provider Gateways Support Services introduced the Miraglias to an autism early learning program.
A switch to an autistic kindergarten was just the first step.
Drawing a picture of family watching over Jacob lying down also allayed his fears of people and music in headphones would block out outside noise.
“He’ll go to the supermarket, no problems now,” Mrs Miraglia said.
“We use to have to buy a toy for Jacob and say, ‘if you come, we’ll buy you a wrestling man’ because he’s obsessed with wrestling.”
Gateways have secured $30,000 to fund at least 20 autism assessments for children in the region.
Autism Spectrum Disorders, which afflicted Jacob, is a group of neuro-biological disorders that also includes Asperger Syndrome.
It can affect the way in which a child communicates and socialises with others, while also displaying repetitive behaviours and restricted interests.
Geelong has amongst the highest rates of autism per head of population in Australia.