Autism

Autism is still something most people don't talk about and yet it affects 1 in 150 individuals. It is more common than pediatric cancer, diabetes or AIDS. Autism is a complex neurobiological disorder that typically lasts throughout a person's lifetime. It is part of a group of disorders known as autism spectrum disorders (ASD). It occurs in all racial, ethnic, and social groups and is four times more likely to strike boys than girls. Autism impairs a person's ability to communicate and relate to others. It is also associated with rigid routines and repetitive behaviors, such as obsessively arranging objects or following very specific routines. Autism spectrum disorders can usually be reliably diagnosed by age 3, although new research is pushing back the age of diagnosis to as early as 6 months. Parents are usually the first to notice unusual behaviors in their child or their child's failure to reach appropriate developmental milestones. Some parents describe a child that seemed different from birth, while others describe a child who was developing normally and then lost skills. Most times, pediatricians dismiss the parent's concern and say their child will catch up. Follow your instinct and push for further evaluation.


The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development lists Applied Behavior Analysis among the recommended treatment methods for autism spectrum disorders. Some of the most common interventions are Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Floortime Therapy, Gluten Free, Casein Free Diet (GFCF). Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, PECS, SCERTS, Sensory Integration Therapy, Relationship Development Intervention, Verbal Behavior Intervention, and the school-based TEAACH method.

Most recently on May 7, 2009, President Obama included in his Fiscal Year 2010 budget $211 million dollars for Autism!

A friend whose 5 year old son has Autism is doing a fundraiser walk for June 13. If you would like to donate, click the link provided. You can find a walk in your area. http://www.walknowforautism.org/faf/donorR...supId=254705382


I have included another link to get involved on the government level. Let's speak for those who can't and give them the support they need. Who knows, it could one day affect you! http://www.autismspeaks.org/government_affairs/agenda.php



All comments are greatly appreciated.