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RIDE FOR AUTISM |
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About Autism |
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The
exact number of children with
autism is not known. A report
released by the U.S. Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests
that
autism and related disorders
are more common than previously thought,
although it is unclear if this is due to
an increasing rate of the illness or an
increased ability to diagnose the
illness.
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What are the causes? Autism is a physical condition linked to abnormal biology and chemistry in the brain. The exact causes of these abnormalities remain unknown, but this is a very active area of research. There are probably a combination of factors that lead to autism. Genetic factors seem to be important. For example, identical twins are much more likely than fraternal twins or siblings to both have autism. Similarly, language abnormalities are more common in relatives of autistic children. Chromosomal abnormalities and other nervous system (neurological) problems are also more common in families with autism. A number of other possible causes have been suspected, but not proven. They involve:
Some parents have
heard that the
MMR vaccine
that children receive may cause
autism. This theory was based,
in part, on two facts. First, the
incidence of
autism has increased steadily
since around the same time the MMR
vaccine was introduced. Second, children
with the regressive form of
autism (a type of
autism that develops after a
period of normal development) tend to
start to show symptoms around the time
the MMR vaccine is given. This is likely
a coincidence due to the age of children
at the time they receive this vaccine.
Several major studies have found NO connection between the vaccine and autism. The American Academy of Pediatrics and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention report that there is no proven link between autism and the MMR vaccine, or any other vaccine. Some doctors believe the increased incidence in autism is due to newer definitions of autism. The term "autism" now includes a wider spectrum of children. For example, a child who is diagnosed with high-functioning autism today may have been thought to simply be odd or strange 30 years ago. |
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Are there different types of Autism?
Other
pervasive developmental disorders
include:
Symptoms Most parents of autistic children suspect that something is wrong by the time the child is 18 months old and seek help by the time the child is 2. Children with autism typically have difficulties in:
Some children with autism appear normal before age 1 or 2 and then suddenly "regress" and lose language or social skills they had previously gained. This is called the regressive type of autism. People with autism may:
The symptoms may vary from moderate to severe. Communication:
Social interaction:
Response to sensory information:
Play:
Behaviors:
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Can Autism be prevented? Unfortunately, no, it cannot be prevented or cured. Early diagnosis is critical and may help maximize an autistic child's ability to speak, learn and function. Regular visits to a pediatrician can help with early signs and detection. The earlier treatments can begin, the more effective they will be. |
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Can Autism be treated?
An
early, intensive, appropriate treatment
program will greatly improve the outlook
for most young children with
autism. Most programs will
build on the interests of the child in a
highly structured schedule of
constructive activities. Visual aids are
often helpful.
Treatment is most successful when geared toward the child's particular needs. An experienced specialist or team should design the program for the individual child. A variety of therapies are available, including:
Sensory integration and vision therapy are also common, but there is little research supporting their effectiveness. The best treatment plan may use a combination of techniques. APPLIED BEHAVIORAL ANALYSIS (ABA) This program is for younger children with an autism spectrum disorder. It can be effective in some cases. ABA uses a one-on-one teaching approach that reinforces the practice of various skills. The goal is to get the child close to normal developmental functioning. ABA programs are usually conducted within a child's home, under the supervision of a behavioral psychologist. Unfortunately, these programs can be very expensive and have not been widely adopted by school systems. Parents often must seek funding and staffing from other sources, which can be hard to find in many communities. Another program is called the Treatment and Education of Autistic and Related Communication Handicapped Children (TEACCH). TEACCH, developed as a statewide program in North Carolina, uses picture schedules and other visual cues. These help the child work independently and organize and structure their environments. Though TEACCH tries to improve a child's adaptation and skills, it also accepts the problems associated with autism spectrum disorders. Unlike ABA programs, TEACCH programs do not expect children to achieve typical development with treatment. MEDICINE Medicines are often used to treat behavior or emotional problems that people with autism may have, including:
Currently, only risperidone is approved for the treatment of children ages 5 - 16 with irritability and aggression associated with autism. There is no medicine that treats the underlying problem of autism. DIET Some children with autism appear to respond to a gluten-free or casein-free diet. Gluten is found in foods containing wheat, rye, and barley. Casein is found in milk, cheese, and other dairy products. Not all experts agree that dietary changes will make a difference, and not all reports studying this method have shown positive results. If you are considering these or other dietary changes, talk to both a doctor who specializes in the digestive system (gastroenterologist) and a registered dietitian. You want to be sure that the child is still receiving enough calories, nutrients, and a balanced diet. OTHER APPROACHES Beware that there are widely publicized treatments for autism that do not have scientific support, and reports of "miracle cures" that do not live up to expectations. If your child has autism, it may be helpful to talk with other parents of children with autism and autism specialists, and follow the progress of research in this area, which is rapidly developing. At one time, there was enormous excitement about using secretin infusions. Now, after many studies have been conducted in many laboratories, it's possible that secretin is not effective after all, but research is ongoing. |
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What research is being done? One of the best resources we've found for autism research would be through Nationwide Children's Hosptial and IAN (Interactive Autism Network).
Every day
thousands of people from across the country are
coming together through IAN Research, an innovative
online initiative connecting researchers with
individuals and families affected by autism spectrum
disorders (ASD). The information being shared by
those living with an ASD is already helping
researchers discover new insights about the disorder
and is assisting community leaders advocating for
improved services. This dynamic exchange is the
nation’s largest online autism research study and is
making remarkable strides to improve the lives of
individuals and families affected by ASDs. This
collaborative effort strives to accelerate important
breakthroughs about causes, diagnosis, and
treatments which may lead to the discovery of a
possible cure.
Why participate in IAN Research?Each year, many important ASD studies are significantly delayed or not completed because researchers can not find enough qualified participants. As a result, valuable opportunities to learn about ASDs are lost. In the first year and a half, more than 25,000 people signed up to participate in IAN Research, and the results have been dramatic. During this same time period more than 100 research studies have been able to move forward using IAN Research. By providing basic information on the diagnosis, family background, home environment, and services received, you can help researchers, educators, policy makers, and others better understand the impact of this puzzling group of disorders. It takes approximately one to two hours to complete the secure, online questionnaires, and you can do it as your schedule allows, without ever leaving home. We all have questions. Together we’ll find answers. Who is eligible to participate in IAN Research?All children (under the age of 18) in the US who have been diagnosed with an ASD by a professional are eligible to participate.
All adults in the US who have been diagnosed with an ASD by a professional are eligible to participate.
Which ASD diagnoses are included in IAN Research?
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