Call-out for local autism chapter
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Robert and April Zopp of Yeoman do not get very much sleep. They are busy tending to the needs of their 15-year-old daughter, Lyndze. Parents of healthy teens might feel like they accomplish little besides chasing their kids around at times, but Lyndze provides extra challenges compared to a typical teenager. Within the last two years she was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome, a form of autism, along with other disorders.
Lyndze requires around-theclock attention because of her condition. April said her daughter could go from sweet and smiling to thrashing and angry in a heartbeat. Exhausted and sore from what April termed daily "rages," the couple has tried to find help from a host of sources. However, agencies who send volunteers typically do not return to help again.
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"Every organization that sent a volunteer said they would not return," April said. "It was more than they were prepared to handle."
She explained Lyndze has a high-functioning form of autism. Her first word, uttered at the age of four months, was rhinoceros. She was able to carry on conversations two months later.
April explained the couple went years not knowing what affected Lyndze or how to deal with it. Doctors did not have the knowledge or technology to determine her condition and medications they prescribed based on mis-diagnoses only made matters worse. One drug made Lyndze gain almost twice her body weight in just a few months.
"There were no real adequate tests up to 2002," April explained. "A diagnosis then was if they can speak and run then they're not autistic. In the last six years, some great tests have been developed."
During those more recent years the couple began to find answers to some of their questions. A correct diagnosis was made by occupational therapist Leonard Miller in Brookston.
April said Miller looked for the root cause to Lyndze's condition instead of tackling symptoms as had been the approach of previous physicians. When he reported his findings to physicians a connection to autism was established, Lyndze was admitted to a special hospital to ease her off unhelpful prescriptions and introduce proper treatments.
Lyndze just finished eighth grade at Twin Lakes schools. She was enrolled in special education. This year, thanks in large part to close monitoring of select prescriptions, she was well enough to be part of the "mainstream" school chorus and Spanish classes. April said to be able to enroll Lyndze fulltime at school was helpful to the couple's energy levels, but after a full day's work the effort required when Lyndze returned home was still overbearing.
She said one of the couple's desires is to find occasional relief and rest, but they realize other Carroll County families struggle in similar situations. Because of trials they endure seeking reliable, competent help, it has become their goal to bring awareness and support to all families of autistics in the area.
April wants to attract enough local residents to join the Autism Society of America (ASA) to be able to open a local chapter. A commitment from at least 10 county residents who are members of ASA is required to start a chapter.
April said a local chapter would bring the benefits offered by ASA to needy county residents, including support services and grant money. To bolster their hopes that could happen, the couple has donated to the society for some time and continues to do so. Exhaustive efforts now, they believe, will pay off when a chapter is started.
"We're tired. This is a living hell," Robert said. "It isn't Lyndze's fault at all, but we feel like there's no way we can keep going at this pace. We need help, and we know others do, too. We need to find each other and organize so we can get the help we need."
One way the couple hopes to raise awareness and support is through Wheels of Hope - Lyndze's Ride, a fundraising effort Robert developed. He will embark in August on a 700-mile bike ride to the southern United States backed with sponsorships from businesses, organizations, individuals and a national sports television broadcasting network. April and Lyndze will follow him on the trip in a support vehicle.
Donations the couple has received thus far include drinks for the trip, a bicycle and equipment, money and other supplies. Robert said one donation was aluminum cans. They appreciated the gesture not only because they could recycle the cans for money but also because people seem to be taking notice of the need.
"The more funds that can be raised means that much more research can be done and that many more grants can be given," Robert explained. "But the number one thing is awareness. This is a real problem."
The Zopps own and operate Country Candies & Confections, located on US421 near Yeoman. April said 15 percent of the store's total sales from May 1 to Aug. 1 will be donated to ASA. Robert also works at John's Liquor Store in Delphi. He said his employer has been very gracious with assistance for Lyndze's Ride. Donation containers can be found at both locations.
April concludesw those who suffer from the exhausting effects of autism can get more help when they band together with others. She said it took a long time for her and Robert to feel comfortable talking in public about what they experience, but felt to open up about their struggles was the right thing to do.
"We were hush-hush for a long time," she concluded. "But people have to know they are not alone and together we can get help."
Those who would like to help form a local chapter of the Autism Society of America should call Robert and April Zopp at (574) 965-2006 or E-mail them at aprilindiana2@yahoo.com.
To support Lyndze's Ride, contact the Zopps or look for donation cans at John's Liquor Store in Delphi or Country Candies and Confections near Yeoman.
