Kyle Masannat, 3, snuggles with his mom, Nancy, while watching tv. Photos by AMY FLOWERS UMBLE/THE FREE LANCE-STAR

Kyle laughs as his mom tickles him in their Stafford County home. Kyle, who has autism, does not speak but uses sign language. His mom says he's become affectionate after ABA therapy. Photos by AMY FLOWERS UMBLE/THE FREE LANCE-STAR

Kyle Masannat, 3, has autism. His mom, Nancy, attends meetings with a new parent support group. Photos by AMY FLOWERS UMBLE/THE FREE LANCE-STAR

Group offers help and hope for parents of children with autism.

Date published: 9/25/2005

By KATHLEEN LEWIS

Kimberly Hill of Spotsylvania didn't have a network to go to when her son was diagnosed with autism.

So she started a support group.

Kathleen Bufalari, a speech therapist with the Rehabilitation and Wellness Center of Virginia, helped her get the Autism Support Group of Fredericksburg started and serves as a co-facilitator.

About 36 families are involved.

The group offers speakers and discussions about autism-related subjects.

Autism is a disorder that affects children's ability to communicate and interact with others. They have trouble learning basic skills, and they need routine and structure.

Today, one in 166 children is diagnosed with autism.

To some, autism is a disorder that needs to be managed. To others, it's a disease that needs to be treated.

In addition to their parenting role, parents of children with autism often become researchers, advocates and activists.

Nancy Masannat admits she hasn't been an activist.

"Just living the day to day is enough," says the south Stafford resident. She finds herself in a tug-of-war between meeting extreme needs for her son, who has autism, and having something left over for her daughter, who doesn't.

Parents who come to the support group are looking for answers from the pool of experiences represented in the group.

Masannat and her husband, Richard, are hoping someone can help them find a good Applied Behavioral Analysis therapist.

ABA therapy teaches social, language and life skills through repetition and positive reinforcement.

Unlike many insurance plans, the Masannat's plan covered the in-home therapy.

The White Oak-area couple were pleased with the progress 3-year-old Kyle was making.

But in July, they received a notice from the company telling them to find another therapist because the one they had been using was missing certification requirements.

It amounted to a year's worth of mentoring time, explained Nancy.

This means nothing to her. She has seen her son regain developmental ground. That's what matters.

Before 18 months, Kyle was on target developmentally. Afterward, within three weeks of his MMR vaccine, he lost 20 words, stopped giving eye contact and kisses and didn't want to be touched, his mother said.

From that time, the Masannats have done everything they can to rebuild their son's communication, cognitive and life skills.

The eye contact and kisses have returned.

Date published: 9/25/2005