Parents of children with autism in Annapolis reach out to each other

From The Annapolis Capital in Maryland. In the picture, from left, therapist Chanda Schmidt works on Leah Hamilton's reading skills under the watchful eye of Alison Hamilton and one of her twins, Maddie, 6.

Six years ago, Alison Hamilton's life was in turmoil.

Her oldest daughter, Leah, was just diagnosed with autism, and she'd just given birth to twin girls.

"It was devastating," she said earlier this week. "And I couldn't help thinking, I had these two gorgeous new babies … what if it happens to them, too?"

Luckily, her twins are OK, and Leah's made a lot of progress with the help of providers and advice from other parents with autistic children.

And now Hamilton's trying to return the favor by helping to start a local chapter of the support group Talk About Curing Autism (TACA). The chapter, which is one of 24 throughout the country, serves both Anne Arundel and Montgomery counties, and has meetings in both regions.

Since March, there have been two meetings in this area, and another is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Aug. 30 at 130 Lubrano Drive in Annapolis. The group also holds more informal "coffee talk" sessions, one of which is set for 7 p.m. July 30 in the cafe at the new Whole Foods in the Annapolis Towne Centre.

"I want to pay it forward," said Hamilton, 38, of Crofton. "There is no single road map, and that's where it can help to network with people. The networking has made a huge difference (for me)."

The initial TACA meeting served as an introduction to the group, but some discussion of treatments also arose, she said. The second local meeting featured a physician who sees a lot of autistic children. About 30 people from throughout the region attended each gathering, Hamilton said.

The interest didn't come as a total surprise, but she was pleased by the turnout. Hamilton said she was fairly certain there was a need in this area for TACA or something like it. "We've had some people say, 'I feel like I'm home. I found my group,' " she said. "We're thrilled. We're very pleased."

Denice Rulo, of Severna Park, who has one son with autism and another with Asperger syndrome and also helped form the TACA chapter, said the group can help people navigate through what can be a daunting amount of information.

"It's all about figuring out what's available out there," she said. "(Doctors) say that 'A' word. That's a huge bomb in front of you and early intervention is the key, but they don't tell you what that early intervention is."

Like Hamilton, Rulo said she was helped by other parents and wants to repay their kindness.

"He's come a long way," she said of her son, Jacob, 7, "and I owe it to the moms I've met along the way. We have each other."

TACA members have other resources as well.

Everyone who comes to a meeting gets a free copy of the organization's "Autism Journey Guide," said Rebecca Estepp, TACA's national manager. The 351-page guide is packed with all kinds of information about the disorder, as well as different therapies and diets.

"TACA helps parents 'hands-on' through a variety of ways: support meetings, new parent seminars, parent mentors and a Web site with a live chat option," Estepp wrote in an e-mail.

She added that parents also can call the main office in California for assistance. "TACA aims to give parents real, tangible help as quickly as possible," Estepp added.

It's hard to miss Hamilton's home, thanks to the large puzzle piece hanging from the front door.

The puzzle piece is a symbol for autism, and serves as a kind of calling card for her involvement in the cause. She also has a couple autism stickers on the back of her minivan and an autism-related license plate holder as well.

"It's part of our lives, you know," she said. "I believe in autism awareness, especially with the rising number of children with these diagnoses. It truly is a tidal wave."

Jill Zaukus, of Pasadena, another parent who helped organize the chapter, said one of the most important things the group can provide to families is hope. She said hope is what keeps her going, too, as she faces the challenges of rasing her two autistic sons, Andy and Bradley, 8 and 7.

Like Hamilton, Zaukus said life is a series of constant adjustments, with schedules built around therapy appointments. But both women are resolute in their determination to help their children and other families grappling with autism.

"We keep trying," Zaukus said. "It's not that we don't accept our kids, but we're always striving for more - and that's our hope. There could always be some new therapy, some new treatment."