Adolescents say it.

Parents hear it.

“Nobody understands me!”

For people with autism, the statement holds a deeper truth.

Imagine being unable to communicate, like being in pain and unable to tell anyone. Imagine feeling distracted, frustrated, obsessed and frightened, but not know why. Now, imagine feeling this way all day, every day. That is as close as possible explaining how it feels living with an Autism Spectrum Disorder or ASD.

Seth Alleman, 15, of New Iberia, was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome, an ASD, at 4. His stepmother Lori Alleman, 38, describes Seth as an “awesome kid” who gets along well with younger children or elderly. Although early on she didn’t understand what it meant to have a child with autism, the first thing that came to her mind about living with autism was love, understanding and compassion.

Seth’s father, Jarrod Alleman, admitted living with autism isn’t much different than dealing with any of their other children.

“It was a relief when we received his diagnosis,” Alleman, 43, said. “Before that, we had no idea why he wasn’t talking, wouldn’t eat most things, wasn’t progressing like we thought a kid should. When we got the diagnosis it all fell into place. I was able to research the condition so I’d know what to expect and how to help him.”

Alleman said his son might do things differently than other children to achieve the same goals, making Seth’s parents use different approaches based on the way the teen’s mind works, but that is what makes Seth unique.

“It’s kids like Seth that’ll grow up to rule this world, not in spite of autism, but because of it,” Alleman said.

Seth and Lori Alleman found their way Wednesday night to an Asperger Social Group, an Acadiana support gathering for teens and young adults diagnoised with Asperger’s syndrome. Immediately Seth and Lori found new friends and kinship from other families living with autism.

Also at the meeting was Sherrie Reed, of Erath, who said her son Heath was diagnosed in 2010.

“Once I read about Asperger’s symptoms, it was like, ‘OMG,’” Reed said. “So glad we opted out on ADHD medicines, I wasn’t ever convinced it was ADHD.”

Reed, 51, got a second opinion when Heath was about 8. It took testing with the neuro-psychologist to accept his more accurate diagnosis. She laughingly admits there are good and bad days. Bad days are when Heath, now 20, is just bored, frustrated and having anxiety.

“I knew in my heart there was something there, but I couldn’t put my finger on it,” said Reed. “If you have that feeling, do something. Talk to your child’s doctor, nurse, other parents. Keep going until you find the answers you’re looking for. You’re not alone.”

Heath and his mother recently joined the Asperger Social Group. At least three parents at the meeting said it was through friends, teachers or other family members that they learned about autism, in particular Asperger’s. Physicians and psychologists confirmed their child’s conditions, but were not the first to recognize the disability.

Sandra Taylor, 58, started the Asperger’s group in late 2009 for her son, Mark “MAT” Trahan II, now 27. He was formally diagnosed at age 11 and, like other parents, she felt relief to know what they were facing.

“Living with autism is challenging because it’s difficult to watch your child struggle every day and not being socially accepted,” said Taylor. “It could be so much worse. I’ll take this struggle rather than one of drug or alcohol addiction. MAT has made great strides toward being socially accepted and independent.”

“Parents should always go with their gut feelings about what’s going on with their child. If they think their child has any sign of autism, be sure to get them evaluated as soon as possible. I’ve seen how early intervention is the key to that child’s success.”

Georgia Manuel, Child Search and Transition Facilitator at Iberia Parish School Board said there are several children with ASD who attend public schools.

“Although there are provisions in the system for working with students of special needs, it takes the proper diagnosis to know what each student requires for advancement,” Manuel said.

She recommends parents who question their child’s developmental progress have them tested through the Early Steps Program for ages birth to three years. Mary Hockless is the Acadiana Early Steps Program contact for assessment which is called System Point of Entry (SPOE). If you have concerns and would like more information after visiting their website www.earlysteps.dhh.louisiana.gov, Hockless can be reached at 359-8748.

Once a child has been diagnosed, federal mandates provide for educational assistance, if they qualify. However, there are specific state guidelines that must be met to corroborate a diagnosis. A medical diagnosis is not the final step to acceptance into nor does it automatically qualify the child for the program.

Although the Iberia Parish public schools have special education programs with teachers who manage these programs, autism requires one-on-one planning. This is a challenge when you consider that, according to the Centers for Disease Control Prevention, autism is the most common of the developmental disorders affecting an estimated one in 88 births. Also, it appears this number is on the rise.

Sergio Guerra, 29, of Lafayette, was diagnosed in 2013. He did not fit the criteria for autism, but did for an Autism Spectrum Disorder. Because there was no early detection, Guerra did not receive the behavioral training that might have prevented what he describes as social impairment. He doesn’t pick up on social cues, takes everything literally, has intense and obscure interests.

Guerra is perceptive and recognizes his need for stability and strict routines to function properly, to avoid trouble, getting and maintaining employment, as well as with interpersonal relationships.

When asked what he would say to parents, Guerra said, “Read up on the symptoms and see if your children have them. If they do, get them diagnosed and get help as soon as possible.”

The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development lists behaviors that warrant further evaluation. The characteristic behaviors of ASD may be apparent in infancy (18 to 24 months), but they usually become clearer during early childhood (2 to 6 years). As part of a well-baby or well-child visit, pediatricians should perform a “developmental screening,” asking specific questions about your baby’s progress.

There is no cure for autism. Autism knows no racial, ethnic, social boundaries, family income, lifestyle, or educational levels and can affect any family and any child, and, according to the U.S. Department of Education and other governmental agencies, autism is four times more predominant in boys than in girls. Evidence shows that early intervention results in positive outcomes for children with autism. The earlier the better.

Several parents in attendance at the Asperber Social Group agreed about the positive support they received from Families Helping Families of Acadiana. Their website is www.fhfacadiana.org.

The Autism Society reports the cost of lifelong care can be reduced by two-thirds with early diagnosis and intervention. For parents of children in and around Iberia Parish, answers and ASD spectrum support group information can be found by calling Leslie Calligan at 365-3921 or visit their website www.acadianaautism.com.