Man overcame severe autism to become a mentor to parents

By Staff Writer

Raun Kaufman had severe symptoms of autism as a child but, after years of one-on-one therapy from his parents, he's now able to lead a program that specializes in training for parents of autistic children.

According to the Oklahoma-based Tahlequah Daily Press, parents from across the country attended a one-week training, directed by Kaufman, in the northeast. Kaufman's mother devoted 50 to 60 hours working with her boy for three years, and her commitment paid dividends.

Kaufman, who once exhibited some of the common characteristics of autism - no eye contact, slapping of the hands - now holds a master's degree in biochemistry. One of the mothers who attended the workshop met Kaufman on the street, and she couldn't believe he used to have severe autistic symptoms.

“He shook my hand, stood and talked a few minutes, then strolled on down the street,” the mother said. “He doesn’t remember being autistic."

The training offered therapeutic strategies to parents, such as rewarding the children instead of repeating exercises. In addition, the news provider reported that parents were asked to create a "focus room" that did not contain a television, computer or other distractions.