dedicated
By Susan O'Connor

As Dayna Miller grappled with her oldest son Briar’s diagnosis of autism, her life started a dramatic and inspiring turn. Her quest to find the best treatment available for him led to a career where she truly makes a difference in the lives of countless families.

Following anaphylactic shock caused by a food allergy at age 13 months, Briar’s condition deteriorated. “I thought he was deaf. And he cried all the time — I couldn’t make him happy.”

Briar, now 8, was finally diagnosed at age three and a half with moderate to severe autism at Dennis Developmental Center, located at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. Doctors pointed out that he was already aggressive, might never talk and that a group home might be an option. Miller was of course devastated.

“We came home and I don’t remember anything for two months,” she said with emotion. “It was just blackness. I went through the entire grieving process. Mommies blame themselves too much…”

Miller said she met a local mother of an autistic child who gave her sound advice and she took it. The mother said, “You’ve got to pick yourself up and go.”
That she did. Miller immediately learned everything she could about autism and discovered Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), an intensive therapy offered by Dr. Craig Thomas of Jackson, Miss. The therapy is very expensive — from $30,000 to $50,000 per year — so the family moved in with Miller’s mother and used every available avenue of credit.

The ABA therapy was so successful that Briar is not only in the regular classroom, but a straight “A” student. “He’s never missed a spelling word and doesn’t have to study,” she said, adding that he is indistinguishable from the other kids in his class, though he might be considered the “quirky” kid.

As she was exposed to Briar’s speech therapists, Miller began working toward a bachelor’s degree in communication disorders from Arkansas State University. She completed the degree in 2006, as well as a master’s degree from ASU in 2007. She is a speech pathologist for Children’s Therapy Services of NEA (CTS), and is pursuing national certification as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, specializing in the treatment of autism spectrum disorders. This will allow her to give families in this area the same treatment that was so miraculous for Briar. She plans to open a consulting firm that will offer training in ABA to individuals, families and schools.

Miller is co-founder with partner Julie Adkins of the SPARC (Social Pragmatic Awareness Resource and Consulting) Center, a nonprofit organization that offers training and consultation to individuals with an autism spectrum disorder for a nominal fee. The building that houses SPARC is located next door to Children’s Therapy Services at 217 E. Cherry St. and is donated by Joanne Steed, owner of CTS.

Miller is also co-founder and vice president of the Autism Association of Northeast Arkansas and is a board member of the Arkansas Autism Resource and Consulting Center.

As a key organizer of Autism Awareness Month activities, Miller is planning for another successful turnout for the third annual Autism Awareness Conference at the Fowler Center on May 1, and Autism Awareness Walk and Family Day on May 2 at the ASU track. These events fund the local chapter, which provides support groups, training for teachers and much more.

Miller also works with the Arkansas Autism Legislative Task Force, a group of mothers who are lobbying for legislation to allow Medicaid to assist families with the treatment of autism.

What is the most important advice you can give to a parent who thinks his or her child might have autism? Find professionals who will listen to all of your concerns and who are qualified to confirm or reject a diagnosis of autism. Also, the sooner the diagnosis is made, the sooner intensive specialty therapy can begin.

How have you grown as a person through your experiences with Briar? Before Briar was diagnosed I had always wondered what my purpose in life was. I had tried several jobs and could not find one that I felt like was a career that I could really enjoy or make a difference in the world. His journey has definitely taught me to be a much better, much more compassionate person who understands what is really important in life. What is important is helping these children and families live a life full of hope and helping them see dreams accomplished.

What is the biggest misconception about kids with autism? One very big misconception is that one child with autism is like another child with autism. Autism is such a complex neurological disorder that affects so many different areas of the brain. Patients need a very individualized program that is based on their strengths and weaknesses.

Who inspired your proactive spirit to work to make a difference in the lives of other families dealing with autism? Briar! He is my hero! He has been through so much from therapies to numerous surgeries. He always comes through with such grace that it humbles me for him to be my child.

As a busy working mother of four, what do you do to relax? I love spending time with my family riding four-wheelers, fishing, going on trips and watching them play sports and other school functions. I also love to attend autism trainings. I truly relax and get enjoyment learning how to help my child and others.