Autism is a devastating neurological and biological disorder typically diagnosed in children 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 91 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 - $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.
•Some children who receive an early diagnosis, intense behavioral intervention, medical treatment, and speech therapy will lead typical lives. Not all people diagnosed with autism receive such an early diagnosis or enjoy this outcome.
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.
DISCLAIMER - TACA provides general information regarding medical research, treatment options, therapies and nutrition to the autism community. The information comes from a variety of sources, and TACA does not independently verify any of it. Nothing on this website / parent information binder should be construed as medical advice. Always consult your child's doctor regarding his or her individual needs.
For more information, please visit their site at: http://www.talkaboutcuringautism.org/