Wednesday, February 12, 2025
36 F
Roseville

Autism Cards

People didn’t like 7-year-old Logan’s erratic behavior. Some people were even calling him an undisciplined brat. Then Logan’s mother, 38-year-old Tamara Hansen of Mankato, Minnesota, decided she’d had enough of the biting comments and began clearing up the misunderstanding using creative means. Logan isn’t a brat: he just has autism.

A National Institutes of Health website states that all children with “autism spectrum disorder” demonstrate deficits in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication, and have repetitive behaviors or interests. Autism may affect one child in 150.

“Logan is a fun-loving, 7-year-old boy,” said Hansen in a telephone interview. “He was diagnosed with autism at age two. Before that he had been able to say eighteen different words and then suddenly he couldn’t. It was like my son disappeared.”

The psychologist diagnosing the autism said Logan probably would never talk again. In response, Hansen quit her job and began caring for Logan full-time because, she said, “I believed he could overcome many of the things they said he wasn’t going to do.”

Her commitment paid off. Today, Logan is able to attend public school and is considered high-functioning and highly verbal. Yet he still exhibits “bratty” behaviors many people misunderstand. Said Hansen, “For instance, Logan doesn’t know about personal space. He’s a very large boy for his age and (his physical closeness) can intimidate his peers.”

Logan can be overwhelmed by sounds, smells, and touches. When confused, sometimes he will talk loudly or thrust his arms in the air while walking in circles. When playing, he only enjoys anything Star Wars-related and will become irritated when other children don’t share the same repetitive passion.

When receiving comments and judgmental looks concerning her son’s behavior, Hansen began handing out to people a card that explains autism. It has helped.

“I had to come up with a better way to explain Logan’s behavior,” said Hansen of the cards. “No matter how people respond to the card, at least I know I’ve done my job.” Hansen is also in the process of opening what she believes will be Minnesota’s first daycare center serving children with autism.

“I’m like a mother bear,” she said. “I’m a strong-willed woman fighting so my child can be better understood.”



Brighter Side

Trending

Job Opening: Sr. Manager, Data Management

5 yrs exp. design, modify, dvlp., write & implement software programming apps & code software. BS deg req’d.

LA-Z-Boy Home Furnishings & Décor in Roseville

Transform your living room and bedroom with La-Z-Boy's comfortable home furniture. Shop for sofas, couches, recliners, chairs, tables, mattress in a box, and more today.

Roseville Pleasant Grove Creek Trail closure for critical repairs

Roseville, Calif. - The trail crossing over Pleasant Grove Creek is closed for critical repairs between Old Coach Drive/Phillips Park and the Orchard View Road trailhead parking lot.

RG Philips Park in Roseville

RG Philips Park "This 6.5 acre park features a children’s...

Roseville welcomes US Quadball West Coast National Qualifier to Maidu Park

Roseville, Calif. - Quadball, an action-packed sport that evolved from the Harry Potter novels, will hold its only West Coast national qualifier Saturday, Feb. 8, and Sunday, Feb. 9 at Maidu Regional Park in Roseville.

Topics

Job Opening: Sr. Manager, Data Management

5 yrs exp. design, modify, dvlp., write & implement software programming apps & code software. BS deg req’d.

LA-Z-Boy Home Furnishings & Décor in Roseville

Transform your living room and bedroom with La-Z-Boy's comfortable home furniture. Shop for sofas, couches, recliners, chairs, tables, mattress in a box, and more today.

Roseville Pleasant Grove Creek Trail closure for critical repairs

Roseville, Calif. - The trail crossing over Pleasant Grove Creek is closed for critical repairs between Old Coach Drive/Phillips Park and the Orchard View Road trailhead parking lot.

RG Philips Park in Roseville

RG Philips Park "This 6.5 acre park features a children’s...

Roseville welcomes US Quadball West Coast National Qualifier to Maidu Park

Roseville, Calif. - Quadball, an action-packed sport that evolved from the Harry Potter novels, will hold its only West Coast national qualifier Saturday, Feb. 8, and Sunday, Feb. 9 at Maidu Regional Park in Roseville.

The Crepe Stop in Roseville

The Crepe Stop in Roseville. Savory & Sweet. Crepes, Pancakes, Waffles, Gelato, Boba Tea.

Roseville Today Super Bowl party picks for Eagles and Chiefs game

Roseville, Calif.- This Sunday at the Superdome in New Orleans, the Philadelphia take on the Chiefs in Super Bowl 59. A super-sized rematch and unofficial national holiday of $8 million dollar commercials, food and drink and a little football.

Quarry Oaks Apartments in Rocklin

Quarry Oaks Apartments in Rocklin, Calif.

Related Articles

Local Spotlight

California Recovery Center in Roseville offers treatment for substance abuse and mental health

California Recovery Center (CRC) is a treatment provider for adults with substance abuse and mental health condition, located in Roseville and serving the greater Sacramento region.

Roseville Sheet Metal serving community’s heating and air needs for over 70 years

Roseville, Calif. - At Roseville Sheet Metal, we’re proud of our years of service to the Roseville area and look forward to helping you with your air conditioning and heating needs.

NorCal Solar and Gutter Cleaning in Roseville: Keeping Your Home Safe and Efficient

Roseville, Calif. - NorCal Solar and Gutter Cleaning, founded in 2019 by Brian Rykhlyuk shortly after graduating from Roseville High School, has quickly become a trusted name in the community for gutter cleaning and solar panel maintenance services.