Parents discuss challenges of autism in children

NEW CASTLE, Pa. — Alex Seman, 3, doesn’t have much of a way with words.

“He’s really social and hugs people,” said his mother, Cathy Seman, of Wampum. “But his communication isn’t good.”

Austin Beatrice, 5, doesn’t talk at all and has trouble interacting with other kids.

He’s also a happy boy who laughs a lot, said his mother, Julie Beatrice, of New Castle.

Four-year-old McKenzie Agnew can’t go into some stores. Going into Wal-Mart doesn’t bother her, because the ceilings are high. But in smaller stores, the fluorescent lights are closer overhead.

She just can’t tolerate them, said her father, Josh Collingwood of Union Township.

That’s perfectly normal, though — once you understand that hypersensitivity to environmental stimulants is common in people who have her disorder.

She has the pervasive developmental disorder autism, as does Austin. Alex has pervasive developmental disorder, not otherwise specified, which appears to have stemmed from a genetic disease. It’s similar to autism.

Seman; Collingwood and McKenzie’s mother, Rochelle Bissell; and Beatrice sat together on a recent morning in the office of Sue Crossley, director of autism services and program development for Vocational & Psychological Services.

In the cozy room on the top floor of a converted three-story Tudor house on North Street in New Castle, they talked about the challenges their children face.

For more, read Sunday’s Vindicator and vindy.com