World Autism Awareness Day

The latest number show about 1 in 68 children has a form of autism.

It’s a developmental disability that can cause severe social, communication, and behavioral challenges.

In honor of world autism awareness day, a Salisbury woman shared her son’s story with 47 ABC.

“I’ve treated him as normal as I can because I know that he is going to be an adult one day without me, so he has to know how to do everything.” Says Crystal Holman.

Crystal’s son Hayden Holman was diagnosed with autism at two years old. Now 13, his mother Crystal Holman says he’s defied odds of never being able to talk.

We’re told Hayden knows about 12,000 words including many in languages other than English. She says it’s taken a lot of home-school lessons, upwards of 60 hours a week.

Holman stressed that having autism is nothing to be ashamed of, and it’s battle parents and children do not have to fight alone. She recommends enrolling in community services that emphasize group activities.

Jeff Byrne, deputy director of Bay Area Center in Salisbury. Bryne says participating in group activities with children who might also suffer from the same disability can often help with behavioral and social skills.

“To be able to connect with children like themselves it really gives them a sense of support and belonging.” Says Bryne. “People will understand what they’re going through too.”

Crystal also runs a community support group for parents of autistic children, called Autism Chapter Eastern Shore.

To find out more information about Bay Area, email info@bayareacil.org.