Parents of Autistic Sons Help Raise Awareness

One Norman couple who has two young boys with Autism is hoping to help others understand the condition.

Wednesday, April 28th 2010, 3:48 pm

By: News 9


By Emily Wood, NEWS 9

NORMAN, Oklahoma -- The latest numbers from the CDC show one in every 110 children has Autism. And statistics show that number is on the rise. In Oklahoma the number of school-aged children with the condition is much lower, one in every 300. One Norman couple who has two young boys with Autism is hoping to help others understand the condition. 

Seemingly small accomplishments are major for 8-year-old Matthew. He has Autism. So does his 6-year-old brother, Nathan. Nathan's condition is considered severe. Nathan still doesn't have any words. His therapists say it's a step for him to be able to communicate simple wants and needs.

"A lot of people say, 'We need to find a cure,' and that would be great, but that's not anywhere on the horizon," said Deborah Decker, Matthew and Nathan's mother. "So, right now they don't need to be cured, they need to be accepted." 

Steve and Deborah Decker work to help other people understand Autism. They organize events to raise awareness and started a special program at their church to help families dealing with the condition.

Steve even wrote a children's book about a very unique Oklahoma prairie dog to help children know its OK when someone is different. 

Finding out their children had special needs was difficult for the Deckers.

"You kind of have this vision of what your child's life was going to be and it kinda gets flipped upside down after you hear a word, Autism, it's like, 'Are they going to be able to make a friend or ever have a job?'" Steve said.

When the boys were small Steve had to quit his job to take care of them, and make sure they got the special help they needed.

The Deckers say their life isn't what they expected, but every day they experience moments with their sons that help them make it through.

"The other night I went up and hugged him and said, 'I love you,' and he said, 'I love you, too' and was the most amazing thing in the world," Steve said.

These parents see special qualities in their sons that they hope someday others will see, too.

This weekend is the annual Autism Peace Walk and 5K in Bricktown. All of the proceeds help special programs in the schools, parent-led organizations and Autism research in Oklahoma.

Learn more about the Oklahoma Autism Piece Walk and 5K.

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