What Is Autism? 
Autism is a devastating neurological and biological disorder typically diagnosed in  between the ages of 18 months to 5 years of age. Autism affects each individual differently and at different levels of severity. Some individuals with autism are severely affected, cannot speak, require constant one on one care, and are never able to live on their own. While others are less severe, can communicate, and eventually acquire the necessary skills to live on their own.

Typically autism affects individuals in four key areas:

1) Communication (verbal and non verbal)

2) Social skills

3) Behaviors

4) Learning


Facts:

  • One in every 110 children in the U.S. have been diagnosed with autism. (NOTE: This number does NOT include: PDD, Aspergers and other spectrum disorders. These statistics are endorsed by the CDC, American Academy of Pediatrics, and other federal organizations.)
  • Autism is a life-long disability for many affected individuals
  • Autism affects each individual uniquely
  • People affected with autism live a normal life span
  • It is estimated that there are approximately one million people in the US affected with autism
  • Some people affected with autism will require life-long care at the cost of $5 to $7 million dollars.
  • Autism is the most common developmental disability in California (and many other states). Autism is now more common that Down Syndrome, Mental Retardation, and Cystic Fibrosis combined.
  • Autism often strikes boys more often than girls – roughly four times more common in boys.

Common Autistic Traits:

People diagnosed with autism process, respond, and interact with information in different ways. In some cases, individuals with autism may not be able to speak, may have self stimulatory behaviors (such as hand flapping, vocal utterances, repetitive behaviors), may be aggressive or be self-injurious. Each individual with autism is affected differently. But like with all people - not all individuals with autism are alike. In fact, very few autistics have the exact same issues. Very few individuals with autism are affected with all the issues specified below.

Some autistic traits could include:

  • Scatter/splinter skills of abilities – such as poor gross motor or fine motor skills and the ability to read at a very young age
  • Oversensitive or under sensitive to pain
  • Desire for the same daily schedule, toys, type of clothes or an insistent on “sameness”
  • Repeating words, phrases in place of typical language or conversation (This is known as echolalia)
  • Much difficulty expressing needs – they may use pointing, gestures versus words, or tantrums
  • Finding situations funny or laughing at times when it is inappropriate (i.e., laughing at a baby crying.)
  • Activity is noticeably under active or over active
  • Excessive or frequent tantrums
  • Can be aggressive or self injurious
  • Prefers to be alone – may have social skills deficits
  • Autistics can act deaf or be non responsive to verbal cues
  • Odd play such as; spinning objects, or using toys for something besides there their intended purpose or using an odd attraction to an item that is inappropriate for age
  • Non existent or poor eye contact
  • Non responsive to typical teaching methods
  • May respond negatively to crowds or not able to mix well with others
  • Difficulty with holding a conversation
  • May not like hugs, or to be cuddled.
  • Sensitivity to loud noises, tags in clothes, coarse clothing, lights, and smells
  • Frequently uses peripheral vision to track items (e.g., rolling car along countertop at eye-level)
  • Highly self-limited diet (narrow down foods they’ll eat to a very limited few items when previously a broader range was accepted (e.g., bread, chicken nuggets, cheese, milk, and crackers – period.)
  • A high amount of severe food allergies
  • History of chronic ear infections as an infant
  • Severe gastro-intestinal issues; chronic loose and/or foul-smelling stools.
  • Lack of imaginative play or imitation.

Many of the above traits can occur in neurotypical individuals as well. However, the more symptoms from this list that apply (at least eight or more,) the possibility of autism might be considered and discussed with your child’s physician or a qualified pediatric neurologist.

Medical and behavioral treatments are available to individuals affected with autism. With early intervention (via both traditional therapies and medical intervention unique to the individual,) the future can be very bright for many affected with autism. However, we know very little about what causes autism and how to prevent it. Urgent medical research is required to help solve the mystery of autism and in finding the cure.

(This information was referenced from www.talkaboutcuringautism.org)

So how can you help Families Affected by Autism?

  • Offer respite care for their children. The divorce rate for families with special needs children is at 80%. Parents of special needs children really need to make sure they are getting time for themselves and for their marriage. It is now more important than ever for them to be strong together, especially for their child/children that are special needs. You never know how much having a few hours alone together could help that marriage.
  • Help them in research. When you first learn about Autism and trying to find ways to help your child, the amount of information can seem to drown you. It is really helpful when other people see an article, know of someone that has a wealth of information to share, know someone to be a mentor or support system, know about great doctors to be referred to, etc......
  • Let them know that you are there for them. Be encouraging and support of their decisions. Let them know that you are thinking about them, praying for them, and there for them.
  • Remember that every family will have their own path in how they choose to help their children. They may choose to use traditional medical doctors, to medicate their children using a psychiatrist, look into homeopathic treatments, biomedical treatments. They may choose Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA), Relationship Development Intervention (RDI), speech, occupational, or physical therapy, Special needs programs within the school district, decide to place them in mainstream schooling, or choose to homeschool. Not every family will choose the same path, but respect that it was the path they chose for their family. Special needs family are typically under a good deal of stress, and they really need their family and friends to respect and support them. Don't judge or criticize them for how they feel about what is best for their child. Just think about what you would do if you were in their place and how you would want others to treat you about choices you make for your child or your family.