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Judit Rick of Manly’s new book about autism is backed by thorough research but what makes it especially valuable is that it is written from personal experience.
Judit has an autistic son and raising him with the goal of making him a fully functioning, independent adult has required dedication, focus, patience, acceptance, perseverance and love.
Diagnosed as autistic at the age of four, he has gone from “around the middle” of the autism spectrum to being free of any autistic symptoms.
Judit says her teenage son, who is doing very well at college, is unrecognisable from the boy who needed restraint at primary school because he was violent, uncooperative and rarely spoke.
She remembers little of “the difficult years”, only the constant attention that was needed, taking her time away from other family members.
When he misbehaved, including hitting, biting and kicking, she had to hold him down. She says at those times it was clear that his brain had switched off.
Tough love was often required. “I disciplined him to a level that he would understand,” she says. “I never made excuses for him because of autism and later did not let him have the extra time offered when he sat exams.” She also never medicated him, believing drugs just covered up problems without solving them.
Looking deeper at her son’s speech, movement and behavioural problems required a lot of research and trying many options. A series of diets – gluten free, dairy free, sugar free and chemical additive free – all did good things, but were not enough on their own.
Judit came across Behavioural Optometry when her son was around seven years old. She describes it as one of the best programmes she adopted – taking a holistic approach to the treatment of vision and visual perceptual problems.
Encouraging her son’s natural artistic flair was important, and he is now working towards a career that incorporates his ability with computers and creativity.
Recently Judit published a book, Autism: A Diamond in the Rough designed to give guidance and encouragement to others who are raising an autistic child.
She says the book has received a warm reception. “People like that it’s open and honest. I know there are spelling mistakes and it’s not perfect, but it’s written from experience and that seems to touch a chord with people.”
The book is only available on online, on Amazon.com
April is Autism Awareness Month.
