There are other developmental disorders besides autism
Mar. 28, 2008

Wednesday, March 26, 2008
BY JON SCHWARTZ

More than 4.5 million people in the United States, 1.65 percent of our nation's population, live with developmental disabilities.

Have all developmental disabilities taken a back seat to autism?

I couldn't agree more with The Record's editorial on the package of new bills before the Assembly Heath Committee ("Attacking autism," Feb. 25). Autism is a serious health issue, well worth the acute attention of state and federal policymakers. Its prevalence — especially in New Jersey — and its profound impact on the lives of millions certainly warrant our attention. While roughly 1.5 million Americans have autism, I'm left to wonder if we should be casting a wider net.

There are more than 4.5 million people in the United States living with developmental disabilities, representing 1.65 percent of our nation's population. Developmental disabilities are categorized as severe, lifelong conditions attributable to mental and/or physical impairments, manifested before the age of 22. They include autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy and mental retardation.

There's no arguing that autism is one of the most severe. But shouldn't our elected officials be aggressively pursuing legislation that affects this larger group, regardless of how white-hot the topic of autism is to the news media?

Considering that March is National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, what action are we to take if we feel that all of these disabilities have taken a back seat to just one of them?

Inclusive activities

For starters, we can begin to look around us for opportunities to celebrate and get involved in treatment programs and organized activities that build confidence and help to make life more enjoyable for the thousands of New Jerseyans affected by one of these disabilities.

While often maligned for its perceived violence, ice hockey is an activity developmentally disabled children can benefit from. The thought of suiting up children with cerebral palsy in complete body gear and helmets, putting sticks in their hands and sending them out onto the ice may be disconcerting. But it is a movement that has captured the spirit of sportsmanship and has delivered an opportunity for special-needs kids and adults to be part of a team, in many cases for the very first time.

Special hockey, as it's known, has grown from a handful of loosely organized teams scattered throughout the Northeast to more than 60 teams across the nation. They make up the American Special Hockey Association, an organization sanctioned by USA Hockey. This brand of the sport is non-checking and is specially adapted for developmentally disabled participants to help them develop dependability, self-reliance and confidence.

As a coach, I find there is nothing more exciting than handing an 11-year-old his or her first-ever team jersey adorned with the youth's name. Observing a child's joy in knowing that he or she is now accepted into a group in which players' differences are actually what make them so alike is the single most rewarding experience any coach can have.

Refreshing experience

Special hockey is devoid of cliques, attitudes and the kind of parental interference that each season drives more and more great youth hockey coaches away from the game.

The first active special hockey team in the state, the New Jersey Daredevils, features more than 50 players and is enjoying its sixth season at Richard J. Codey Arena in West Orange.

If you know a special-needs child, or if you just love hockey, perhaps you'll consider taking an afternoon to celebrate with us and explore opportunities to get involved. For more information, visit americanspecialhockey.org.

Jon Schwartz, a Park Ridge resident, is head coach of the Daredevils and executive vice president of the American Special Hockey Association.
 
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