In the midst of the often heated debate about the causes of autism, the very nature of autism, the best treatment for autism, and the best direction for autism research, one critical aspect of autism is overlooked. Individuals with autism and those around them need an immediate, go-to resource with practical ideas and strategies for dealing with the many challenges and issues that arise every single day.

+ What if a person wants to wear the same shirt every day or insists on wearing shoes to bed?

+How can a person get a job if they can quote entire movie scripts but cannot answer simple questions?

+How can a family avoid isolation if their youngster melts down in restaurants or church or the grocery store?

+How can we communicate with a person who just echoes every word we say?

+How can parents deal with friends and relatives who talk about their "strange" child?

+How can a teacher help a youngster with autism who screams and bites and throws items because the classroom setting is overwhelming for the child?

These are just some of the questions posed this week by the dozens of individuals with autism and their families that i see as a music therapist and a community volunteer. There are not standard answers to these questions. Because of the nature of autism - the broad spectrum of abilities and limitations found in each individual - there is no one theory or approach or treatment that applies to every person. 

Research and public information and treatments are essential. But there is also a need for accessible resources providing practical, down-to-earth strategies that help maximize the potential and enhance the quality of life of individuals with autism and those who care about their well-being. I am speaking for dozens of friends with autism and their families when asking that we not overlook this critical aspect of autism.