Autism growing concern for parents
by Emily Gillespie, staff writer
Primarily affecting
the abilities of communication, and social interaction,
Autism affects one in every 150 school-aged children,
according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC). Unfortunately, the cause for Autism has
yet to be defined. Cases vary from mild to severe forms of
Autism. Autism is also considered a Spectrum Disorder
because of its different forms and variations. Autism is
different for each individual.
There is no single
cause for Autism; rather it is explained through
abnormalities in brain structure and development. Although
the primary cause is still unknown, several theories have
been incorporated, thanks to the help of research. Research
has found that a certain medical conditions can be linked to
the rise of Autism, including Tuberous Sclerosis, Fragile X
Syndrome and Phenylketonuria. Another theory that is
gaining publicity is the theory that children are being
over-vaccinated. The theory targets the MMR immunization
that protects infants and small children from Measles,
Mumps, and Rubella. This theory is debated by scientists,
but persisted by parents. Another area under investigation
involves deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), the chemical of life.
Studies done by the Autism Genome Project pinpoint several
culprits in genes, one in every 23rd chromosome.
]Early diagnosis is
critical, and increases the child’s chance for regular
livelihood. This also means earlier treatment, which
increases the chance for autistic children to enter regular
classrooms (varied upon type of Autism). Typically, most
diagnoses start with parental observation. These
observations are based on behaviors, and the inability to
communication. Signs to look for include: if the infant is
not cooing or pointing at gestures, if the child does not
engage in “joint attention” (such as not looking for an
object and not shifting gaze), not mimicking facial
emotions, no emotional response, avoiding eye contact ,and
the child not engaging in play.
It is also important
to pay attention to a child’s interests, because Autistic
children have a more narrowed interest field. If a child’s
parents feel something is wrong, experts suggest going with
initial instincts and getting the child evaluated and
screened. Intervention at an early age (12 months to 2
years) allows the child to grow up with better environmental
understanding with appropriate facilities.
The movie “Rain Man”
forever changed society’s views of Autism. Many use Dustin
Hoffman’s portrayal of Raymond in Rain Man to stereotype his
behaviors and actions associated with Autism. Although
Raymond does display some characteristics of Autism, his
role is more of a performance and un-true to Autism.
Education for the
Autistic varies, since it is a spectrum disorder.
Grade-level placement also is dependent upon the individual,
as well as individual needs. What comes first during
classroom time are people skills, discipline, and then
education.
“Social skills and
learning to live in mainstream society to me seems to be a
very dominate need among autistic students,” says Kimberly
Helms, a teacher who works with Autistic children.
“Academics are, of course, important, but functioning in
society will greatly enhance their lives.”
Teachers are
constantly working on communication skills, such as saying
“hello” to the staff when getting off the bus. Therapy is
also used during school time, and is also varied depending
on each child’s specific needs. Videos are also a great way
to teach the communication skills needed. For the students
who are high functioning, they get mainstreamed into regular
classes for the remainder of the day.
“I believe that
these children are a part of our society, and they need to
learn how to be with other people,” Helms said. “And it is
also good for children in the regular class to have special
needs children with them. I find that these students are
very willing to help with the special needs child. Usually,
they will have a buddy in the classroom.”
So what is Congress
doing about this growing epidemic? Recently Congress issued
the Combating Autism Act of 2006, which will supply
appropriate funds for research and awareness. Research for
Autism typically falls under two categories, genetic and
environmental. Funding for both will be considered as taking
big steps.
The three main types
of illness classified under Autism include Autism,
Asperger’s Syndrome (a milder form), and Nonspecific
Pervasive Developmental Disorder (for those who fall in
neither category). Other forms include Rhett’s Syndrome
(disorder mainly affects girls’ speech),
Childhood disintegrative
disorder, and Savant’s (relatively low I.Q. but strikingly
high, even genius, in narrowed areas).
Several key steps have already been taken for more public
awareness and treatment. Autism is something that families
struggle with worldwide. Until the cause is determined, as
well as prevision, families are urged to keep a positive
attitude. Recognizing and bracing the challenges that come
one at a time will make a difference to those surrounded by
the child.
Although easier said than done, family members of those
affected with Autism bear tremendous amounts of stress.
Organizations to help ease the stress have already been
established, such as the online support of
www.AUTISMSOURCE.org. For more information about
Autism, go to
http://www.autism-society.org or
http://www.autism.com.
