Whether it’s parading a group of senior citizens in front of the state legislature to prove a point, throwing a date auction to raise funds, or heading out to Denver International Airport to practice security checks with dozens of kids, the Autism Society  of Colorado is an advocacy group that is alive and kicking in metro Denver.

    The ASC, founded in 1970, is dedicated to being a voice in and for the autism community.   “Our mission is to promote the quality of life for people with autism and their families,” ASC Executive Director Betty Lehman says. “We exist to be a resource in the community.  ”Being at the helm of the ASC means Lehman is most likely to be seen storming the capitol steps, helping families or advocating to the community. After volunteering for the society for 12 years, Lehman took up her current post in 2004 when the organization transitioned to a full-time staff. Autism is a condition that hits home for Lehman…literally.   As a single parent for her 19-year-old autistic son, Eli, Lehman knows first hand the emotional, physical, financial and psychological hardships that saddlebag an autism diagnosis.  

    Autism is a lifelong disorder that affects the brain.  Although no two cases are alike, common symptoms of autism include varying  degrees of communication, limited social interaction, tantrums and often physical illness like gastrointestinal problems and sleeping disorders.

    Since the exact cause of autism has yet to be pinpointed, there is no cure for the disorder. There are, however, treatment options available which can be highly effective. The treatment method with the highest success rate is early intervention therapy.  “With children  under the age of three, their brains are very plastic still, you can really affect their intelligence, cognition and the way they behave,” Lehman explains.  Effective early intervention, usually a one-on-one therapy, can change IQ’s by as much as 20 points in two years. “This can take a young child out of mental retardation and into normal intelligence, ” Lehman says.

    Although 1 in 169 children in Colorado are diagnosed with autism, society still has a lot to learn about the disorder. To help educate the community,  the ASC established the Autism Answers program, an hour-long luncheon, offering an overview of autism and the ASC. This program is open to anyone and includes a lecture, video, and question-and-answer time.