Families and friends of autistic people have a community network available that can educate and support them.

The Richmond County chapter of the Autism Society of North Carolina meets every month on the third Saturday. This Saturday’s meeting will be held at the FirstHealth Richmond Memorial Hospital, from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Guest speakers invited to this meeting are Sen. William Purcell, and Rockingham pediatrician Masoud Ahdieh, MD. Purcell is, himself, a retired pediatrician.

This meeting will focus on the issues surrounding affordable health care for families that have children with special needs in their care. Purcell was invited to discuss updates on a bill he introduced into legislation that would update laws regarding insurance coverage.

Purcell said the legislation was introduced, but met a roadblock because insurance companies hadn’t put a dollar figure on the cost of extending health coverage.

According to Purcell, most parents cannot afford special treatment for children who have been diagnosed with a disability and require extra care, such as behavioral therapy, or medicines.

“A number of states have passed this legislation, South Carolina being one of them,” said Purcell.

He said the bill is dead now, but if he is reelected, he will continue to pursue this change to health care.

Purcell has also worked with the Study Committee on Autism Spectrum Disorders and Public Safety. This committee initially worked to help train law enforcement to recognize and properly handle autistic people in their communities.

“Rockingham police officers keep pictures of all the autistic children in their patrol cars so they can recognize them,” said Purcell. He said judges and prosecutors have been specially trained to handle autism in court.

The committee has expanded their discussion about autism in the community to the topic of health care.

According to Jennifer Baker of the central office for schools’ exceptional students, and mother of an autistic child, autism and other disabilities have become integrated into communities as both people and laws adapt. Because autistic people have the potential to become independent and functional community members, laws and regulations must be extended to include their needs.

Dr. Ahdieh will attend the meeting to provide families with help to navigating the medical aspects of raising autistic children. He places emphasis on early screening exams that indicate the rate at which a child is developing. He can help parents understand what to expect through their child’s development, and what to do when the child’s development slows. Depending on the particular issues the child faces, Ahdieh can refer the family to the correct specialist.

“We have to be in it together to provide proper care,” said Ahdieh about the support network available to people who struggle with developmental disorders.

Baker invites all members of the community to the meeting to gain understanding of the difficulties and rewards that come with autism.

“Even if someone doesn’t have autistic children, but maybe knows someone who is autistic, they can attend the meeting to learn more about autism,” Baker said. She explains that autism is a multifaceted disorder, and it spans over an entire spectrum. Some people may have difficulties handling social situations that may be overwhelming, such as large crowds. Some may react abnormal to touch or sounds that cannot be understood by the brain because of neurological transmission interruptions.

Baker wants people to understand that people with autism may have severe emotional breakdowns when they experience sensory overload, which may result in frightened fits and distress, attempts to hide or leave, or violence. This meeting provides people with educational materials on how to deal with these situations.

“Going to one of our meetings is like therapy in itself. We talk to each other, and sometimes cry together. Raising an autistic child can be difficult, but it’s very rewarding. I’ve learned so much compassion and patience,” said Baker. “At times I’m in awe of how hard he works at things that come easily to other children.”

She said observing her son view people as individuals without judgment has opened her eyes and taught her what is truly important.

For more information on the Autism Society of NC Richmond County Chapter contact Emily Tucker at 910-334-1363.

Staff Writer Dawn Kurry can be reached at dkurry@yourdailyjournal.com or by calling 997-3111 ext. 15.