Disability Specific Resources
Information: Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)
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Definition:
- Autism Spectrum Disorders as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, are a group of developmental disorders that are defined by significant impairments in social interaction, communication and the presence of behaviors and interests. Ways of learning, paying attention or reacting to different sensations are classified as unusual. This developmental disability can vary however in learning ability, from gifted to severely challenged.
Causes:
There is no known cause, however, there are some widely known possible causes:
- Childhood vaccinations
- Problems in pregnancy ( Yale School of Medicine researchers discovered that flawed cells in the placenta might be the earliest marker for autism. June 26, 2006, Biological Psychiatry)
- Viral infections.
- Repeated use of antibiotics in the first year of life.
- Exposure to toxic chemicals.
Characteristics:
Begins before the age of three, usually between the ages of 18 and 36 months and lasts a person's life.
There are three distinct characteristics:
- Difficulty with social interaction.
- Problems with verbal and nonverbal communication.
- Repetitive behaviors or obsessive interests.
Statistics:
From the Autism Society of America:
- Occurs in all racial, ethnic and socioeconomic groups.
- Four more times more likely to occur in boys than in girls.
- "One in every 150 children born in the U.S. has autism."
- "Based on statistics from the U.S. Department of Education and other governmental agencies, autism is growing at a startling rate of 10-17 percent per year. At this rate, the ASA estimates that the prevalence of autism could reach 4 million Americans in the next decade."
Prevention:
From the University of Virginia, Health System:
There does not appear to be any known prevention for the occurrence or severity of autism.
Awareness:
- People are more alike than they are different.
- Identify and develop an appreciation for each person's strengths and accomplishments.
- Become aware of the affect on daily activities.
Viewpoint
Autistic Culture from Wikipedia defines and explores the Autistic viewpoint from beliefs and interests to Autistic Pride Day, a day to celebrate Autism.
"Autistic culture holds a concept that autism, as a valid and unique way of being, should be embraced and appreciated, not shunned or cured. This is sometimes called neurodiversity or the anti-cure perspective."
On-Line Discussion
Visit our NHU Community Forum on Autism for more insights, awareness, viewpoints, experiences, needs and solutions.
Needs and Solutions
- There is no known cure.
- Not every therapy helps every child or adult.
Treatment and Rehabilitation
There is no known cure, education and treatment approaches help to lessen some of the demonstrated behaviors. Choosing a treatment is very hard for the parent or caregiver. There are many possibilities and there are many factors that do not make choosing a treatment easy.
"A search for appropriate treatment must be paired with the knowledge that all treatment approaches are not equal, what works for one will not work for all, and other options do not have to be excluded. The basis for choosing any treatment plan should come from a thorough evaluation of the strengths and weaknesses observed in the child." from the Autism Society of America.
The success of rehabilitation depends on many variables, including the following:
- family support
- adapting the home environment for ease of function, safety, accessibility, and mobility
- patient and family education
Nutrition and Diet
Some nutritionists have found similarities with autistic children.
- Many have yeast overgrowth.
- Leaky gut syndrome.
- Food Allergies.
- Gastrointestinal illness.
- "Sensitivities to the proteins found in wheat(gluten) and dairy(casein). Persons with autism may show that they cannot completely break down these proteins and fragments of them get into the blood stream and central nervous system before being eliminated in the urine. These peptides (broken down products of proteins) are similar to opiates, such as morphine, and may be responsible for autistic behavior. This is a theory that this metabolic defect leads to the incomplete breakdown of gluten and casein proteins. If a gluten/casein free diet is suggested as a primary treatment for the symptoms of autism, it should be carefully monitored to ensure proper nutrition. This seems to be one of the safest and least invasive interventions available. Parents or adults should seek help and advice from dietitians with knowledge of this special diet, other parents, pediatricians and appropriate web sites to be sure that the child or adult will get proper amounts of calcium, Vitamin D and other vitamins, minerals and amino acids. People with autism have a difficult time giving up these foods, that may be limited and favored. Advocates of this diet recommend at least three months to see results." Reference: The many faces of autism: Can diet be a missing piece? by Judy Mayer-Kieckhefer, Outpost Exchange, August 28, 2006.
Learn more about Autism Spectrum Disorders
Autism Resources Links is a large classified index of links to autism-related web sites. Included are web resources of all kinds including sites with information about various treatment options, sites dedicated to Aspergers, sites with accounts of the experiences of autistic people and their parents, autism organizations, and more. Frequently Asked Questions Memo (FAQ) includes a wealth of information and background material regarding autism contributed by people online. Includes definitions and descriptions of autism and Asperger's, a glossary of terms and acronyms, lists of related disorders, treatments, books, movies, history, organizations, initiatives, etc. Aimed at people who discover they need to know about autism, but valuable to all.
Advice to parents who discover their child is autistic. A collection of messages from several parents on the AUTISM mailing list offering what they would have liked to have known when they found out their child was autistic.
Includes recommendations of parents and other readers, books for children, for parents, for teachers, for professionals, accounts of autistic people, fiction including autistic people, and non-specifically-autism-related books that parents of autistic people have suggested as being helpful.
References
1. Autism Information Center from CDC
2. Autism Society of America
3. Autism Society of Southeastern Wisconsin
4. Autistic Culture from Wikipedia
5. Disability and Rehabilitation Handbook, by Robert Goldenson, McGraw-Hill, New York, NY, 1978, p.219.
6. Information on Gluten and Casein Free Diet
7. Person to Person, by L. Gething, Paul H. Brookes Publishing Co., Baltimore, Maryland, 1992, p. 63.
8. University of Virginia Health System: Growth and Development: Autistic Disorder
For more on the topic of Autism
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[Originated December 31, 2008]
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