Autism Spectrum Disorders,
a neurologically-based developmental disability, occurs in about 1 in 150 children. The child has difficulty with communication,
reasoning and interacting with others. Asperger's Syndrome, PDD-NOS, Autism, Childhood Disintegrative
Disorder, and Rett's Disorder are included on the spectrum.
Parents need information on these disorders
in order to make decisions to help their child in the home, community and schools. Hopefully, because of the
expanding population with ASD's, there will be more attention devoted to helping these children succeed. For
now, parents need to pick through what resources they can find and create a program that will fit their child's particular
areas of need. Educators and medical professionals also need to learn and become more skilled and knowledgeable in mentoring, teaching,
diagnosing and referring these special kids.
Sometimes it can be difficult to locate information and navigate
the whole system of schools, medical, and resources. It can be very overwhelming trying to find the right solution
that works for you. Because each autistic child is very unique, what works for one child might not work for another.
Your own research for tools and answers, for your child's distinct needs, is extremely helpful. Autisticsolutions®
is presenting you with added information to help you make decisions and to stay current on issues.
Autism Spectrum
Disorders are growing at an alarming rate, 1 in 150, more common than AIDS, juvenile diabetes and childhood cancer combined.
Services can be very difficult to obtain, especially at this time of economic difficulty. It is important that
parents learn as much as possible to help their child achieve their fullest level of independence. We want to see success.
Our Mission
autisticsolutions® wants
children to be diagnosed as soon as possible and provide information on issues such as sensory, physical,
emotional, and social issues. Many times the child will be diagnosed and the clinic gives you a packet and you are IT. Services
for children in the spectrum can be difficult to obtain. Some insurance companies will cover autism treatment, others
will not.
Society is starting to be aware how major the issue of autism is and changes are being made. Parents are
great advocates for their child and can be great leaders in their child's developmental milestones.
Getting The Diagnosis:
If your child is not babbling
or talking at 15 months, it is time to bring up the issue with your family doctor. In the last 10 years, most
doctors are becoming very aware of the symptoms. If you do not feel comfortable with the information he/she provides,
get a second opinion from an autism specialist such as a licensed psychologist or a pediatric neurologist. If you feel
something is off, do not second guess yourself. Time is of the essence. Look for the lack of language and interaction,
hyperactivity, non creative play, lack of eye contact or hugging. You might see some repetitive or obsessive behaviors
going on. Does my child react negatively to changing a diaper, combing hair, bathing, trying new foods?
This can be a sign of sensory integration difficulties, which most autistic children have. It is going to be a little
more difficult getting your Asperger's child diagnosed (usually higher functioning, but not always). Their language
development is usually on time to excellent; but by the time they start school, they are showing clumsiness, perseverance
on topics, inability to carry on social conversations and interaction difficulties. Ask yourself, "Can my child
make friends?" ASD children are also at high risk for co-existing disorders, such as epileptic seizures, attention
deficit disorder, learning disorders, Tourette syndrome and mental retardation.
The sooner the diagnosis,
the faster you can get to work researching, reading, trying new solutions, and looking for resources. It will give you
answers and in the end, even though it is painful, you will be able to move forward with treatment.
Important news released on October 29, 2007 may be found here.
The American Academy of Pediatrics is urging all children to be tested for autism around 18 to 24 months whether there is
concern expressed by parents or not. Pediatricians are being trained to recognize signs earlier so that therapy can
be started as soon as possible.