What we pay attention to grows!

While autism seems to be on the rise, based on statistics, there are much better forms of testing and analysis than ever before. It just so happens that since I was asked to collaborate with the FDA, I found out that clinical trials have uncovered threads of commonality that will help with acute solutions. There are two common issues also shared by attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and schizophrenia.

Autism has been prevalent as far back as the 1950s (that we know). There is still a fellow who is now in his 70s who cannot speak but got a job going from one business to another stocking machines with soda and other food items. This article focuses on non-verbal autism. The focus is to illuminate the large range of employment opportunities. HR around the globe is working diligently to determine the most accurate ways to interview. There are computerized programs, cubes to design in a pattern, and more.

Avenues for employment include:

• The fine and performing arts
• Computers
• Working with animals in veterinary practices and stables, in spas (folding towels), in libraries and bookstores
• Plumbing and maintenance

Some may need a coach from a center that profiles them so that things go smoothly at the beginning.

Einstein could not talk until he was 3 years of age. His mother was a musician and encouraged him to play the violin. This took away his stutter once he could talk and was his passion throughout his life.

There are fairly recent (within the last three decades) solutions to an aspect of ADHD which is called CAPD (central auditory processing disorder). It simply is based on several parts of the brain that need stimulation so that a person can grasp information the first time.

In my own personal experience, over a year ago, there was a single father who would come to shul with his non-verbal 14-year-old, who needed a folding chair so he could sit next to his standing father. One day out of the blue, as I was handing the father a siddur, the boy grabbed my arm and stared into my eyes, as if to say, “Thank you for caring about me.” His father told me he understands everything.

My friend’s 59-year-old brother is a magnificent painter.

Visual memory, analysis of complex engineering factors for space, is already recognized from years ago.

One fellow created the first of its kind instrument for space. NASA heard about the software program that was never done before and bought it from him. (The creator was able to speak.)

There are those who are blind and autistic and write their own music. Clinicians, scientists, teachers, parents and the like continue to collaborate and it’s trial and error as Dr. Leopold Bellak, explained with his own research in various aspects of psychological issues. There is a saying, “We don’t give up five minutes before any miracle,” and persistence is the key in most situations.

I will soon be publishing “Leo the Lion and the Kangaroos!” on autism (suggested for all ages). More about the book can be found on the CPS website, https://cpspublishinginc.com

Kerin Bellak-Adams, www.reachbeyondADD.com