April is recognized as Autism Awareness Acceptance Month. Sarah Waters, a board certified behavioral analyst with the Lighthouse Autism Center in Kearney, was a recent guest on KCNI’s Public Affairs. The center specializes in applied behavioral analysis which is used to teach applied skills to children who are battling autism to enhance their everyday life. Waters said there are three levels of Autism Spectrum Disorder or ASD.
Each level represents different levels of support needs. What we look for in a diagnosis are deficits in social communication and behaviors that interfere with social development,” Waters explained.
Sensory sensitivities often experienced by individuals with autism. Waters noted that certain colors, such as shades of blue, green, or soft earth tones, can have a calming effect—or conversely, trigger a breakdown—depending on the individual. She likened it to the difference between introverts and extroverts: some children thrive in quiet, solitary settings, while others may become overstimulated or overwhelmed in louder, more active environments.
A startling statistic shared by Waters revealed that 1 in 36 children are now diagnosed with autism, a figure that continues to grow due in part to increased awareness and better diagnostic tools. “It’s not that autism is necessarily more common now,” said Waters, “It’s that we’re better at recognizing it.”
Waters shared tips for recognizing signs of an impending emotional breakdown, known as precursor behaviors, linked to the acronym SEAT:
- S – Sensory: Triggers like loud noises, bright lights, or certain textures.
- E – Escape: A desire to avoid or get away from a non-preferred task.
- A – Attention: A breakdown may occur to gain someone’s attention.
- T – Tangible: A child may want access to a specific item or activity.
Addressing the ongoing question of what causes autism, Waters pointed to emerging research that suggests a strong genetic component. However, there are currently no known ways to prevent autism.
For parents, she had this message: “Trust the process. ABA is not a quick fix—it’s individualized and often slow, but progress does come, even in the smallest of steps.”
Waters concluded with a powerful reminder that every child with autism is a unique individual. “Kids with autism are people just like the rest of us. They have personalities, preferences, and potential.”
When asked whether autism improves or worsens with age, Waters said outcomes depend heavily on early intervention with therapies such as ABA, speech, and occupational therapy. “The earlier we can start, the more tools the child will have later in life,” she emphasized.
Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month runs through April and serves as a timely reminder of the importance of understanding, support, and inclusion for individuals with autism. Those seeking more information can contact the Lighthouse Autism Center at https://lighthouseautismcenter.com/contact-us/get-in-touch/
