It is an epidemic - a disorder that knows no racial, ethnic or social boundaries. Once diagnosed in only one of every 2,500 children, it now occurs in one in every 150 (fifteen times as often)! It is AUTISM and no longer can we deny that something must be done. All children with autism can improve with therapy and interventions. It is NEVER too late to help these children. We have hope and so should you.

About autism
Derived from the Greek word - autos - meaning "self," the term was first used to describe children with impaired communication skills, children who seemed to have no interest in other people, who seemed lost and isolated within a disconcerting maze of interests and behaviors.

Today, we understand autism to be a biological brain disorder that lasts throughout a person’s lifetime. Because persons with autism exhibit different symptoms or behaviors, ranging from mild to serious, autism is a “spectrum” disorder, or a group of disorders with a range of similar features. Resulting behaviors that may occur within this spectrum include sensory issues, repetitive and obsessive behaviors, aggression, self-injury and language impairments. The specific causes and etiology of autism remain a subject of much debate and controversy. What cannot be contested, however, are the myriad of health problems associated with children that have autism.

Children with autism have difficulty communicating and interacting with others. Many individuals with autism seem to retreat into isolation , or fixate on a word, an object, or an activity.

Sometimes symptoms are seen in infancy, while other children develop normally for a year or more before they begin to slip into their own private world. Children who, at one time were babbling, walking and talking - mysteriously lose skills and language that they had previously gained. Some become silent and withdrawn, often indifferent to love and attention - while still others become loud, angry and inconsolable. At best, a high functioning person with autism may simply seem eccentric, a loner. At worst, a person with more profound autism may never learn to speak or care for themselves.

You are never prepared for a child with autism. You will gradually come to believe it, but never fully accept it, get used to it, or get over it. You put away the hopes and dreams you had for that child - the high school graduation, the June wedding. Small victories are cause for celebration - a word mastered, a dry bed, a hug given freely.

How common is autism?
Autism is a national crisis. It is the fastest growing disability in the United States. A child is diagnosed with autism every 21 minutes and it now affects one in every 150 children. Autism is four times more prevalent in boys than girls. Interestingly, some autistic individuals are remarkably gifted in areas such as music and mathematics, as was depicted in the film Rain Main. And yet, no matter where along the autistic spectrum a child may fall, they all need help.

More than a disorder, autism is a national crisis affecting at least one million Americans and costing the country more than $90 billion annually. As the rate of autism accelerates, so do our efforts.

What are common signs of autism?
Children affected by autism do not always experience the same symptoms. The symptoms depend on the severity of the disorder. The impact or manifestation of these behaviors can range from mild to disabling. Early signs of autism are:

Loss or lack of speech around 18 months of age.
Little or no eye contact.
Loss or lack of gestures, such as pointing or waving.
Repetitive speech or actions.
Unusual reactions to the way things look, feel, smell, taste or sound.

How do I know if my child has autism?
A qualified professional, such as a developmental pediatrician or pediatric neurologist, makes an autism diagnosis. Often, a professional will first diagnose a child with PDD or PDD-NOS. This stands for pervasive developmental disorder and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified. As a child grows, that PDD or PDD-NOS diagnosis will usually change to autism, which is why PDD and PDD-NOS is indeed on the Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD).

A professional may use a screening questionnaire to gather observations from the child’s parents. If the screening indicates the possibility of autism, a more comprehensive evaluation is often conducted by a medical team that includes a psychologist, neurologist, psychiatrist, speech therapist and other specialists.

How is autism treated?
Early Intervention: programs include educational programs and behavior training programs that emphasize developing language and social skills.

Special Education: specialized education programs geared to maximize the potential of each individual, taking into consideration their social needs.

Family Support: counseling for parents and siblings of children with autism is encouraged and often helpful to cope with the challenges of living with an autistic family member.

Dietary and Supplemental Needs: a qualified Autism Doctor can test children on the ASD. Most, if not all children on the ASD have many common biological conditions such as; gastrointestinal problems (constipation, diarrhea, bowel and digestion problems), weak immune systems, and hypo allergenic reactions.

Medication: pharmaceutical interventions are prescribed to help children develop social and language skills.

Alternative Therapies: there also are a number of alternative therapies available for children with autism. Parents should research the providers and the treatment before beginning a course of non-traditional therapy.

What causes autism?
At this time, scientists do not know exactly what causes autism. Because no two people with autism are alike, autism is likely to be the result of many causes.

A number of research studies indicate a genetic predisposition with an environmental trigger as the underlying cause. Researchers are also examining possible neurological, infectious, metabolic, and immunologic factors.

Is autism genetic?
There is strong evidence of a genetic component in autism. In identical twins, the chance of a twin developing autism if the other twin is autistic is as high as 60%. The chance of a sibling or a fraternal twin developing autism is 10-20% higher than in the general population.

I have heard about a new therapy. How do I know if it is safe for my child?
As the number of children with autism has increased, so have the types of therapies being offered. There are both medical treatments and alternative therapies to consider. For example, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), focuses on the behavioral aspects of autism disorders. Others deal with physiological aspects, like diet and sensory issues.

In terms of safety, it is best to seek the counsel of a medical professional before attempting any type of treatment program, and to learn as much as you can before committing to a course of treatment.

What services will my child need?
Because the characteristics and severity of autism vary from person to person, there is no single guideline for treating or helping individual with autism.

Some will be highly functional and need assistance finding a job or attending college. Others may simply need help finding a roommate or apartment. Individuals with more severe autism will likely require a group home setting

FEAT of the Carson Valley provides general information of interest to the autism community. The information comes from a variety of sources and FEAT does not independently verify any of it. The views expressed herein are not necessarily FEAT's. Please consult with your doctor before starting any new medical treatment.