By ROBIN SHANNON

Staff Reporter

LAPLACE – The bright, colorful, interlocking puzzle pieces that adorn the ribbon worn by Charles and Brandy Pray have very significant meaning. The ribbon is worn proudly, like a badge, in honor of their 12-year-old son Caine, who is dealing with a disability that affects one out of every 142 kids nationwide – Autism.

“It’s about awareness,” said Brandy Pray. “We both feel we need to do whatever we can to spread the word about what autism is really about.” The month of April has been designated as Autism Awareness month.

Autism is a developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life. It is a result of a neurological disorder that affects the normal functioning of the brain, and impacts the social interaction and communication development of the affected individual. It is known as a “spectrum disorder,” in that it affects individuals differently and to varying degrees. Brandy and Charles said Caine is classified as moderate to severe.

“Caine does a lot of repetitive play, and echoes words when he hears them,” said Brandy. “At 12, he is still maturing, but he has a long way to go.”

Brandy said Caine, who was born a bit premature, was diagnosed with autism at the age of three. She said it was critical that Caine’s disability was pinpointed at such an early age.

“Early intervention is extremely important,” said Brandy. “The earlier you start, the better it is for them. It’s typical for most kids to get a diagnosis by the age of five.”

Brandy explained that there is no known cause or cure for autism, but there are various treatments, which can lead to significantly better outcomes. There is also much more research and information out there.

“When Caine was diagnosed, it wasn’t talked about as much,” said Brandy. “We really did not know what it was. We have come a long way in 12 years. More people are aware of it or affected by it, celebrities that have kids with it have made strides to get the word out, and it is becoming more of a well-known issue.”

Brandy and Charles explained that Caine has gone through numerous treatments to deal with his autism symptoms, including horseback riding, swimming therapy, and various doctor visits. They said at 12, he is making progress, but still needs one-on-one assistance.

“He is in the sixth grade at LaPlace Elementary in a self contained class,” said Brandy. “The smaller setting is beneficial because he gets the individual attention he needs. He does some speech therapy and participates in adaptive physical education. He is a good student – in fact, he was just named “Student of the nine weeks” for the third nine weeks in his class.”

Outside of school, the Pray’s do additional work with Caine to help him fit into the world around him. Brandy said Caine is a visual learner, in that pictures help him to understand what is going to happen in a typical day.

“We make books to explain to him what is expected of him,” said Brandy. “Caine needs to know what is happening, and what is going to happen. Visuals are an important way of relaying that to him.

As a result of Caine’s affliction, Brandy and Charles have spent countless hours in the community getting the word out about autism. In addition to the ribbons, the couple has produced and distributed prayer cards and postcards, which contain facts on what to look for, web sites from researchers and organizations, and Bible scriptures to help people cope with the disorder. The Pray’s said they have passed out countless numbers to area schools and churches, using money from their own pocket.

“We just think it is important for families that have children with autism to be aware of the disability,” said Brandy. “These kids need help fitting into our world.”

Along with the cards and ribbons, the Pray’s also do training on autism at Nicholls State University, and have also developed a camp at the school for kids with various disabilities.

“It’s called Camp Star Power, and it got its start about five years ago,” said Brandy. “In a typical year, the camp brings in about 30 kids from all over the area. It’s centered around music and plays put on by the kids in the camp. It’s a lot of work, but it’s also a lot of fun for the kids involved.”

Brandy said she and Charles started the camp to get Caine involved in something he enjoys. She said Caine loves music and acting, but there is not a lot out there for him to take advantage of. She said the camp formats an agenda around the students involved.

“Whatever performance we do, we make the part fit the kids playing the roles,” said Brandy. “It’s all about what they can do.”

Aside from the setbacks that autism brings, the Pray’s said that Caine is a typical 12-year-old boy. Brandy said Caine is a whiz with computers, at school and at home, and really loves music.

“He has the ability to listen to a song and memorize the words right away,” said Brandy. “He just starts singing right away.”

Brandy said Caine is also a huge Disney fan. She said he loves Hannah Montana, and the computer-animated film Cars, and really enjoys trips to Walt Disney World in Florida.

“We really get treated well when we go to Disney World,” said Brandy. “We get to jump forward in line on whatever ride Caine wants to get on – it’s never any of the big ones though.”

Caine’s favorite ride in the park – “It’s a Small World!”

“We’ve done that one quite a few times,” said Charles. “Caine enjoys the repetition of the song and the motions of the robots in the ride.”

The support of his family has also been an important part of Caine’s development. Brandy and Charles said Caine’s two younger sisters, eight-year-old Brianna, and six-year-old Patience, have done a great deal to help him out of his shell.

“He certainly wouldn’t be the person he is today without them,” said Brandy. “Siblings make a difference in the development of an autistic child.”

Brandy explained that when the girls have friends over, they explain what Caine is going through, and make sure that anyone who comes to the house says hello to big brother.

“They get him out of being in his own world and get him into ours,” said Brandy. “That family involvement is very important. Without it, Caine would probably just stick to himself.”

The Pray’s said they have worked to help him make friends, but it is a difficult thing. They said even at 12, he still needs a constant set of eyes on him. Brandy said Caine is a happy child, a very loving person, and he does what he can to communicate.

“He doesn’t carry on much of a conversation, but if he sees you, he probably will say hello,” said Brandy. “He’s also a fantastic listener.”

For more information on autism, visit www.unlockingautism.org, or www.autism-society.org. Brandy and Charles also welcome phone calls at 504-559-4277.