By The Rising Start Foundation

April marks another Autism Awareness Month, a time dedicated to education, acceptance, and advocacy for a condition often referred to as a “silent disability.” Unlike visible physical disabilities, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) manifests through differences in communication, behavior, and sensory processing, often making it misunderstood by society.

Autism prevalence has risen dramatically in recent decades. In the early 2000s, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated that 1 in 150 children had autism. By 2024, the prevalence had increased to approximately 1 in 36. This surge is partly due to improved diagnostic criteria and awareness, but researchers continue to explore genetic and environmental factors that may contribute to the rise.

The search for effective treatments and support for autism remains ongoing. While there is no cure, various therapies - such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), speech and occupational therapy, and innovative assistive technologies - have significantly improved the quality of life for many autistic individuals. In Miami-Dade, families raising autistic children face numerous challenges, from navigating complex support systems to accessing specialized care. However, with the right resources, opportunities for progress, hope, and peace of mind are within reach.

This is beautifully exemplified in the journey of one family and their autistic child, Mark, and their partnership with a Trust-funded provider, The Rising Start Foundation (TRS), whose dedicated support has made a profound impact on their child’s development and overall well-being. Mark first joined TRS during a specialized summer camp program in 2023. His parents had searched extensively for a program that could provide him with a summer filled with joy and meaningful engagement while also offering the highly specialized care and attention he required.

Diagnosed with autism at an early age due to missed developmental milestones, Mark was later presented with additional co-occurring challenges, including aggression and self-injurious behaviors, making his case particularly complex. From the very start of his TRS experience, his family saw immediate and profound impacts. Encouraged by his progress, they enrolled him for ABA therapy at TRS’ sister organization, Early Intervention Behavioral Services (EIBS), for the 2023/24 school year.

Under the leadership of TRS and EIBS Founder, Maria Alejandra Mejia, a skilled clinical team crafted a comprehensive treatment plan, building on insights gained from his summer camp experience. Mark’s behavior support plan focused on reducing behavioral problems through functional communication training, intensive training with his augmentative communication device, executive functioning skills, and life skills training. Over the course of the year, Mark not only met but frequently exceeded the rigorous milestones set for him, demonstrating remarkable growth. Inspired by this progress, his parents re-enrolled him in TRS’ Summer 2024 Camp and made the significant decision to transfer him to TRS’ Homeschool Pod Program for the 2024-25 academic session after years at his previous school.

Today, Mark continues to flourish, thanks to TRS’ holistic approach - blending functional academics, intensive social and life skills training, ongoing ABA therapies, and dynamic enrichment programs. His enthusiastic engagement with the TRS music band, social enterprise/entrepreneurship initiatives, and culinary arts program has further nurtured his confidence, independence, and sense of purpose.

The Mark of today is a young man filled with curiosity, actively engaged with the world around him, and embracing life with a newfound sense of joy and calm. His journey is a testament to the power of the right support, dedication, and a community that believes in his potential.

As Autism Awareness Month unfolds, the message remains clear: awareness is only the beginning - true inclusion requires action, understanding, and a commitment to valuing neurodiversity. For more information, visit TheRisingStart.org.