Autism group helps local families cope

   Four years ago, Kelly Keesecker noticed that her 2-year-old son, Ian, wasn't speaking. When she called his name, he didn't respond. He never sang. But when "Wheel of Fortune" came on, he'd race to the TV and stare, entranced by the game.

   Shortly before his third birthday, Ian was diagnosed as autistic. About 15 years before, Alison Seyler faced the same diagnosis of her 3-year-old son, Alex. As a baby, he would tense his arms to sounds; as a child, he would scream at loud noises.

   When he was diagnosed, there were no local resources for families with autistic children.

   Dedicated to better understanding and helping her son, Seyler started the Autism Society of the Pikes Peak Region shortly after Alex was diagnosed in 1994. Today, Alex is an example of hope to parents of newly diagnosed autistic children: At 18, he's graduated high school and is attending classes at Pikes Peak Community College.

   "Meeting those parents - especially Alison, who has older children - we sort of relaxed," said Keesecker, a member of the society.

   That's the support Seyler wanted from the society. "I just want a world where when parents get the diagnosis that their child is autistic, it's not the end of the world - because it's not," she says. "Now I know a lot about it and I can help people not be so afraid of it."

   As part of that mission, the Autism Society is hosting its 2008 Autism Awareness Conference on April 23. Temple Grandin, who is autistic and best known for her books on the disorder and work with farm animals, is speaking in the morning, followed by a talk by advocate Jeff Newman, who also is autistic.

   Though the conference is mostly targeted toward families, educators and professionals, Seyler said anyone can learn from the speakers. Autism, which comes in many forms, is essentially a brain disorder that affects social interaction and communication.

   "Alex has taught us so many things and we wouldn't change him for the world," she says. "Kids with autism are showing us they should be out and about.

   "I want to live in a community where I can go and see people with disabilities in every workplace. I really want to open up the community for families."

DETAILS

The Autism Awareness Conference runs from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 23 at The Lodge at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, 1420 Austin Bluffs Parkway.

Registration is $75 for ASAPPR members and individuals, $90 for couples and $125 for professionals. UCCS parking passes are $8.

Send payment (checks only) by Friday to ASAPPR, P.O. Box 7802, Colorado Springs 80933. For more information, call Alison Seyler at 630-7072.