BY PHIL CUSTODIO
Clarkston News Editor
A few years ago, what Val McFarland knew about autism mostly came from Dustin Hoffman’s performance in the movie ‘Rain Man.?
Now, she and her husband Kevin McFarland are experts in the condition, its therapy and treatments, and the politics behind it. Their son, Callahan McFarland, was diagnosed with autism last year.
?’Rain Man,? that was all I knew,? Val said.
Callahan’s birth and early development seemed normal. When he was about 2, however, Val’s sister, a nurse, noticed indications in Callahan’s behavior, some ‘red flags.? These included lack of speech and fixation on objects.
‘He would play with a piece of fuzz,? Val said. ‘Typically, a child will put it in his mouth or ignore it. It was odd that he would fixate on one piece of fuzz.?
They immediately took him to doctors and specialists. Using various tests and MRI scanning, doctors diagnosed him with Autism Spectrum Disorder and a Chiari Type I brain malformation. This is when part of the brain at its base extends into the spinal canal. Cause is unknown.
Surgery is risky and usually not recommended. Val and Kevin are treating their son with daily therapy, including behavioral analysis daily, speech five days per week, and occupational and physical therapy once a week. He also attends school at Walled Lake two days a week.
‘He’s a busy guy,? Val said.
A characteristic of autism, a word derived from the Greek ‘autos,? meaning ‘self,? is lack of interaction with people and things ? they stay in their own world.
‘We try to keep him engaged at all times, to keep him in our world,? she said.
Callahan’s parents, older brother Patrick, and neighbors all pitch in to help.
‘We meet him where he is,? Val said. ‘We try to mix things up ? keep as many kids around as possible, so he can mimic them.?
The lower level of their home is filled with activities for Callahan, including a ball pit, table for painting, and play tunnel.
‘It’s a lot of sensory stuff,? Val said.
They have formed ‘Team Callahan,? with shirts and hats, and a logo painted on Val’s minivan. Part of the logo, that one in 166 children is affected by autism, will have to be changed, she said.
The Center for Disease Control just released a study placing the autism rate at one in 150.
There are signs that Callahan’s autism may be on the milder side of the spectrum. He is able to speak, saying words such as ‘up? and ?-ker? for ‘sucker,? a favorite treat. He is also learning some sign language.
‘They say sign language helps facilitate language and alleviate frustration,? Val said.
None of the therapy or treatments for Callahan’s autism are coverable by insurance. The cost, about $104,000 over the past year, has been borne entirely by the McFarland family.
To help with the cost, they have organized a fund-raiser, Callahan’s Culinary Extravaganza Celebrity Gourmet TasteFest Benefit.
It is set for March 8, 6-9 p.m., at Bay Pointe Golf Club in West Bloomfield.
More than 25 chefs and restaurants are donating entrees.
The Meri Slaven Trio, with pianist Keith Vreeland and Dennis Horvath on bass, will provide entertainment.
The benefit will include live and silent auctions, featuring more than 150 items including golf, spa, restaurants, birthday party packages, rides in a private plane and hot air balloon, and trips.
‘The response has been amazing ? we expect 500 people,? Val said.
Call 248-515-7423 for more information and tickets.

Signs of autism
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders lists autism under Pervasive Devleopmental Disorders. Indicators of Autism include:
? Problems with normal interaction with others, including eye contact, speech, and communication;
? Repetitive behaviors, speech, preoccupation with parts of objects;
? Lack of symbolic or imaginative play;
? Resistance to changes in routine.
Autism is considered to be a lifelong condition, but therapy and treatments have allowed people with it to live normally. Early intervention is key.
For more information, call the Autism Society of Michigan at 800-223-6722.