THERAPY UNLOCKS ABILITIES

For most 3-year-olds, making eye contact or saying complete sentences may be routine, but for children with autism spectrum disorder, such as Michael E. White, those accomplishments are monumental.

Since Michael has worked with Jefferson Rehabilitation Center's speech, occupational and physical therapists, his parents, Dr. Jason F. and Michele D. White, Watertown, have noticed a vast improvement in his interactions.

"He used to have one to two words," Mrs. White said Thursday from JRC's occupational therapy room. "Now he uses about 45 words with a few sentences in a row."

Mrs. White said her son, who was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder shortly after his 2nd birthday, has gone to JRC's Gaffney Drive facility five days a week since September. He's become more affectionate with his parents, and plays with toy cars instead of lining them up in a row, she said.

Those with autism spectrum disorder, she said, tend to focus on objects rather than people.

Five pervasive developmental disorders comprise autism spectrum disorder, including autism and Asperger's syndrome, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.

The disorder, according to Neil R. Metevia, JRC coordinator of early intervention preschool and clinical services, is a developmental disability of neurological origin. It is typically diagnosed when a child is 2 or 3 years old, after the parents have noticed delays in development such as a lack of language skills and constant unresponsiveness to physical contact, he said.

Those with the disorder have differing developmental delays, Mr. Metevia said. Some autistic people are able to go to college, he said.

Some of the most severe cases include idiosyncratic behaviors, including arm-flapping, rocking and head-banging. Autistic people need a lot of structure and consistency to make progress, Mr. Metevia said.

Tracy N. Klock, one of JRC's occupational therapists who works with Michael White, said the agency offers sensory integration to help autistic children decipher what's important.

Much of that teaching is done in a social context, said David P. Sheppard, JRC supervisor of speech.

A child with autism, he said, needs the following questions answered: What am I supposed to do? For how long? When will I know I'm done? What will I do next?

"If they're missing any information on any of the questions, they could be distracted, by a fan, for example," Mr. Sheppard said.

JRC offers integrated prekind- ergarten special-education classes for young autistic children and day-treatment and day-habilitation programs for older people. The agency's goal is to supply the skills needed to function better in the community.

The Disabled Persons Action Organization also makes that its goal.

Tina M. Cummings, DPAO's program director, said the agency offers an autistic recreation program, available weekdays at its 633 Davidson St. William J. McClusky Center.

"We have activities for them, so they learn through skills such as socialization, communication turn-taking," she said. "They learn to socialize better with peers through this program."

The agency also offers one-on-one day habilitation.

Both of the agencies seek to create autism awareness, as April is National Autism Awareness Month. JRC is considering hosting an autism-awareness workshop or training course next year.