Franciscan Physicians Hospital investigates the available evidence to provide some facts, statistics, and advocacy routes for those looking to learn more about autism.
What is Autism?
Autism, according to autismspeaks.org, is a general term used to describe a group of complex developmental brain disorders known as Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD).
Disorders in this group can include Asperger’s Syndrome, Rett Syndrome, and Childhood Disintegrative Disorder. Some refer to this group more simply as Autism Spectrum Disorders.
Characteristics of autism are most often found in behavior, and can be seen from infancy with more obvious symptoms during early childhood. Developmental screenings are utilized to screen for possible autism with the child’s doctor asking questions about their growing and learning progress.
The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) lists five behaviors that signal further evaluation should be taken:
- Does not babble or coo by 12 months
- Does not gesture by 12 months
- Does not say single words by 16 months
- Does not say two-word phrases on his or her own by 24 months
- Has any loss of any language or social skill at any age.
These signs do not mean your child has autism; they only stand out as possible indicators. A multidisciplinary team can provide deeper investigation into behavioral abnormalities.
The Statistics
Based on autismspeaks.org statistics, it is estimated that one in every 110 children is diagnosed with autism. Further, an estimated 1.5 million individuals in the U.S. and tens of millions worldwide are affected by autism, with government statistics suggesting that the prevalence rate is increasing 10-17% annually.
The Autism Society estimates that autism has an annual cost of $60 billion and that the cost of lifelong care can be reduced by 2/3 with early diagnosis and intervention.
What causes Autism?
No single cause is determined to cause autism. The vast majority of autism cases are not traceable to any definitive cause due to different levels of severity and combination of symptoms.
Researchers are finding that it’s most likely there are a number of causes for autism, with each case having its own various combinations. Multiple genetic components and timing of exposure during the child’s development may also play a role in the development or final presentation of the disorder.
Cases that are distinguished to have causes are small in number. These cases are linked to genetic disorders such as Tuberous Sclerosis, Fragile X, and Angelman’s Syndrome. Other cases are linked to the exposure of infectious or chemical environmental agents during pregnancy.
One thing is clear: autism is not caused by bad parenting, contrary to initial belief in the early 1940’s and 50’s. Dr. Bernard Rimland, founder of the Autism Society of America and the Autism Research Institute, helped develop and communicate this to the medical community in the 1960’s and 70’s.
Treatment options
Some children with autism tend to respond to a gluten-free or casein-free diet. Though a review of studies on this topic in 2008 didn’t find any evidence of diet affecting response, some parents say they do see a difference in behavior.
Other studies suggest that vitamin B6 and vitamin C may help some children. Studies of the vitamin B6 used doses that were higher than the recommended amount and potentially toxic. These should only be administered under doctor’s supervision. Vitamin C supplements may help improve behavior, but studies were not entirely conclusive.
Touch therapy and massage are alternative treatment options for some children with autism. Research shows that fewer symptoms were seen in children who had undergone several weeks of touch therapy.
Other treatment options include art, music, and pet therapy. Each of these provides an opportunity for the child to develop social and communication skills.
For more information regarding autism, visit http://www.autismspeaks.org/, autism-society.org, or visit our complete online health library.
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