Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)

If your children were toddlers 20-30 years ago, you may never have heard of autism.  Today it is unlikely that you haven’t heard of it or know a family whose child has been diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder.

According to Autism Speaks, there has been “a 600 percent increase in prevalence over the past two decades.”  Certainly greater awareness and better diagnosis has contributed to this dramatic increase. Environmental influences are another factor considered to impact these numbers.  “Autism statistics from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention identify around 1 in 110 American children as on the autism spectrum.  …Studies also show that autism is three to four times more common among boys than girls.  An estimated 1 out of 70 boys is diagnosed with Autism in the United States.”  

Autism Spectrum Disorders are “complex neurobiological disorders that typically last throughout a person’s lifetime.  The disorder is characterized by varying degrees of impairment in communication skills and social abilities, and also by repetitive behaviors.  Symptoms range form mild to severe.  One milder form of the disorder is known as Asperger’s Syndrome.  Other developmental disorders that fall under the Autism Spectrum Disorders are Rett Syndrome, PDD-NOS (Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Not Otherwise Specified), and Childhood Disintegrative Disorder.”

By the time a child turns 2, 80-90% of parents have noticed if something is different.  The child may stop gaining new skills or seem to lose those they had already developed.  A toddler with ASD may have a very hard time learning to interact with other people preferring to play alone, avoiding eye-contact, may resist physical contact, etc.  Other “red flags” might include delayed speech and language skills, obsessive interests, having unusual reactions to sensory input (how things sound, smell, taste, etc.) or getting overly upset by minor changes.

As with diagnoses for many things, there are no simple answers as to the cause, or clear cut list of symptoms, or magic pills for a quick fix.  Each child is unique and where they fall on that spectrum will determine the type of therapy and educational opportunities which will be the best for them.  Most people with ASD respond to various forms of behavior modification and many are capable of living independent and successful lives.

If your child is diagnosed with a developmental disorder, what should you do?  There are professionals who can help parents navigate the growing number of resources and choices available today.  But don’t neglect self-care on the journey.  Support groups provide information but they are also a place where you no longer feel “I’m the only one.”  If you continue to feel overwhelmed by the journey, consider talking with a therapist.  There is help available for you as well as for your child.

Information for this article was taken from Autism Speaks, www.autismspeaks.org

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