Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Source: Autism Society of AmericaAutism spectrum disorder is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life and affects a person's ability to communicate and interact with others. Autism is defined by a certain set of behaviors and is a "spectrum disorder" that affects individuals differently and to varying degrees. There is no known single cause of autism, but increased awareness and funding can help families today.
Some of the behaviors associated with autism include delayed learning of language; difficulty making eye contact or holding a conversation; difficulty with executive functioning, which relates to reasoning and planning; narrow, intense interests; poor motor skills' and sensory sensitivities. Again, a person on the spectrum might follow many of these behaviors or just a few, or many others besides. The diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder is applied based on analysis of all behaviors and their severity.
In March 2014, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued their ADDM autism prevalence report. The report concluded that the prevalence of autism had risen to 1 in every 68 births in the United States – nearly twice as great as the 2004 rate of 1 in 125 – and almost 1 in 54 boys. The spotlight shining on autism as a result has opened opportunities for the nation to consider how to serve families facing a lifetime of supports for their children.
In June 2014, researchers estimated the lifetime cost of caring for a child with autism is as great as $2.4 million. The Autism Society estimates that the United States is facing almost $90 billion annually in costs for autism. (This figure includes research, insurance costs and non-covered expenses, Medicaid waivers for autism, educational spending, housing, transportation, employment, related therapeutic services and caregiver costs.)
Know the signs: Early identification can change lives.
Autism is treatable. Children do not "outgrow" autism, but studies show that early diagnosis and intervention lead to significantly improved outcomes. For more information on developmental milestones, visit the CDC's "Know the Signs. Act Early" site.
Here are some signs to look for in the children in your life:
- Lack of or delay in spoken language
- Repetitive use of language and/or motor mannerisms (e.g., hand-flapping, twirling objects)
- Little or no eye contact
- Lack of interest in peer relationships
- Lack of spontaneous or make-believe play
- Persistent fixation on parts of objects
Related Sites
http://www.autism-society.org/ The Autism Society of America
http://www.autism.com/ The Autism Research Institute
http://nationalautismassociation.org/ The National Autism Association
http://www.autismspeaks.org/ Autism Speaks
http://www.tacanow.org/ Talk About Curing Autism
http://www.generationrescue.org/ Generation Rescue
Books
Children with Starving Brains: A Medical Treatment Guide for Autism Spectrum Disorder by Jaquelyn McCandless (Author), Jack Zimmerman (Contributor).
Description: Children With Starving Brains is a message of hope in the midst of a worldwide epidemic of autism, ADD and ADHD. This is the first book written by an experienced clinician that gives a step-by-step treatment guide for parents and doctors based on the understanding that ASD is a complex biomedical illness resulting in significant brain malnutrition.
Autism: A Practical Guide for Parents by Alan Yau.
Description: Theory is great, but as a busy parent of a young child with autism, what you would really like is a practical guide with ideas, tips and strategies that you can use right away.
Evidence of Harm: Mercury in Vaccines and the Autism Epidemic: A Medical Controversy by David Kirby.
Description: Evidence of Harm explores the heated controversy over what many parents, physicians, public officials, and educators have called an "epidemic" of afflicted children.
Ten Things Every Child with Autism Wishes You Knew by Ellen Notbohm.
Description: This book defines the top ten characteristics that illuminate the minds and hearts of children with autism.
Tools
http://www.autism.com/ind_atec The Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC) was developed by Bernard Rimland and Stephen M. Edelson of the Autism Research Institute. The ATEC is a one-page form designed to be completed by parents, teachers, or caretakers. It consists of 4 subtests: I. Speech/Language Communication (14 items); II. Sociability (20 items); III. Sensory/ Cognitive Awareness (18 items); and IV. Health/Physical/Behavior (25 items).
http://www.mayer-johnson.com/category/autism-asperger?gclid=COGOhYHApcACFaVZ7AodliIAVw This site provides various tools to help with behavioral support, sensory, and self-regulation.
101 Games and Activities for Children With Autism, Asperger's and Sensory Processing Disorders by Tara Delaney. These interactive games are quick to learn but will provide hours of fun and learning for your child.
Parent Forums
(Some forums require you to sign in to Yahoo or Facebook to locate forum names.)
Forum Name: CSB-Autism-RX
https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/csb-autism-rx/info This Yahoo group, CSB Autism Rx E-list, was created for Dr. McCandless' patients and consultees. Discussions focus on the treatment protocols described in Jaquelyn McCandless' book, "Children with Starving Brains: A Medical Treatment Guide for Autism Spectrum Disorder," 4th Edition 2009.
Forum Name: Autism Parents Support and Discussion Group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/AutismParentsSupport/ This Facebook group is a place for you to ask Autism-related questions, have discussions, get answers and feedback, share stories of challenges and achievements and also create and foster new friendships with others who have been walking a similar path on this Autism journey.
Forum Name: Autism Spectrum Disorder, through my eyes Discussion Group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/470628153006368/ The main aim of the group is for members to post questions or concerns relating to Autism, to reach out for help, or to offer support to others.
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