The Growing Awareness of Autism
By David A. Johnson MD, Medical Director, Signature Care
Friday, May 17th, 2007; Posted: 12:30 p.m.
If you have been listening to recent public service announcements on radio and TV, you may have noticed that there is an ever-growing push to raise awareness of autism. You may be asking, "what exactly is autism and why all the commotion about it?" To begin with, autism is just one of several developmental disorders known as "autism spectrum disorders" or " pervasive developmental disorders" (PDD). The reason these disorders are suddenly receiving so much attention is because recent studies have shown that the incidence of these disorders is about 1 in 150-160, which would make it more common than pediatric cancer, diabetes, and AIDS combined! This translates to approximately one and a half million Americans and is expected to increase approximately15% per year. While a lab test or X-ray can't diagnose these disorders, they can be identified by observing for specific behaviors. That is why understanding what to look for is crucial in identifying persons with these diagnoses.
There are three main behavior problems that identify autism disorders. They are difficulty with social interaction, problems with verbal and nonverbal communication, and repetitive behaviors or narrow, obsessive interests. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and generally last throughout a person's lifetime. The diagnosis can often be made by age 3 and there is growing opinion that it can be made even sooner.
The hallmark sign of autism is a marked impairment in social interaction. Children with these disorders may not respond normally to others. Eye contact may be lacking and they may seem very self absorbed. They will often be very concrete in their thinking and not be able to accurately "read" other people's non-verbal cues in interactions. They will seem very "I" centered in conversation and lack empathy. They often cannot play interactively with other children. As a result of these issues, they can often be social outcasts or loners.
The repetitive activities can come in the form of behaviors such as flapping their hands, banging their heads, or rocking. They may also have obsessive interests and thoughts on which they frequently focus. Children with these disorders are often less sensitive to pain yet highly sensitive to other senses such as sound, light, and touch. (Often times, being cuddled or hugged is something that is strongly resisted.) While some children with autism spectrum disorders may have mental retardation, others will be average or above average in intelligence.
Asperger's Disorder, which is one of the autism spectrum disorders, is characterized by normal language skills and intelligence but a marked lack of ability to read social cues, develop appropriate peer relationships, or share emotions normally. The average or high intelligence of these children, coupled with their absence of social abilities, will often leave them as the "wallflower" or loner in the class.
It is important to identify children with any of the autism spectrum disorders for several reasons. First, children with these disorders do have treatment options available to improve their ability to function and thrive to the best of their ability. Second, undiagnosed children are often scorned, ridiculed, and considered as outcasts by peers and siblings. They may even be undeservedly disciplined by parents and teachers for behavior which they cannot control or understand. In addition, current laws (The Individuals with Disabilities Act) require schools be an active participant in working with these children and providing them an appropriate education which meets their unique needs (at no cost).
Discovering your child has one of these disorders will at first seem devastating and can be overwhelming to a family. I can attest to this personally as my 8 year-old daughter was diagnosed with Asperger's Disorder just last fall. Getting an accurate diagnosis is vital to the well-being of children and families who are affected. While there is no cure, beginning therapy and educating the schools, family, and support system for these children is the best and virtually only chance for them to get the most out of their lives. Education is the best way for families of these precious children to understand, support and nurture them. Every child, every person, deserves the chance to be understood and accepted. May we all get that chance and give that chance. Here's to your health!