An Inside look into Autism
1 out of every 166 children is diagnosed with autism; however, over 560,000 Americans under the age of 21 struggle with this disorder. Autism is a complex disorder of the central nervous system that has the following three defining core features: Problems with social interactions, impaired verbal and non verbal communication, and a repetition with narrow, restricted interests. Autism is a behaviorally defined neurodevelopment disorder that begins in early childhood. Although that diagnosis of autism is not concluded until a child reaches preschool or school age, the signs and symptoms of autism may be apparent by the time the child is 12-18 months. Behavioral characteristics of autism are almost always evident by the time the child is 3 years old. Language delay in a child 5 years or younger is typically the presenting problem for a more severe case of autism. Autism persists through a person’s lifetime, although many people learn to control and modify their behavior to some extent. Through the data I have gathered on autism causes, symptoms, treatment and help information, I can now better interact and understand my family members who suffer from autism.
1.5 million Americans today are believed to have some form of autism, and this number is on the rise. Statistically speaking 10-17% of the world’s
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population per year is diagnosed with autism. Males are 3-4 times more likely 
than females to have autism. It occurs in all races, ethnic groups, and socioeconomic levels. Autism occurs in all intelligence levels. 75% of autistic children have an intelligence quotient (IQ) below average, the other 25% have an average or above average IQ. It is estimated that 4 million children are born in the United States every year: approximately 24, 00 of these children will eventually be diagnosed with autism. Since the 1990’s Autism has increased 173%, which is more than the population increase (13%) (Autism Statistics). Fig.1 shows the drastic increase of Autism in children ages 3-22, (between the years of 2000 to 2003). Autism is on the rise and is expected to increase dramatically over the next years. Doctors and experts are working patiently to find a cure for this disorder. The only information doctors are sure about are the symptoms.
There is not one specific cause of autism. Research has focused on whether chemical imbalances, genetics, or problems with the immune system play a role in causing this disorder. Recent studies strongly suggest that some people have a genetic predisposition to autism. Scientists estimate that, in families with one autistic child, the risk of having a second child with the disorder is approximately five percent-one in twenty- which is greater than the risk for the general population. Although doctors think autism is caused by genetics other medical factors play a role in the diagnosis. Food allergies, excessive amounts of yeast in the digestive tract, and exposure to environmental toxins have all been investigated causes of autism. But there is no scientific evidence to support this. Some people believe that thimerisol (a vaccine ingredient) and vaccines—particularly the shot for measles—mumps—rubella (MMR)—could possibly be linked to autism. Environmental agents, teratogens, cause birth defects; doctors think that this is one of the many causes of Autism.
The majority of autistic children suffer the same symptoms. Symptoms are usually seen within the first two years of life. Many autistic children develop seizures and can be resistant to treatment. Although some may express each one in a different way, they still have abnormal functioning in three core areas of development: social interactions, verbal and non-verbal communication and interests. Social interaction is a major symptom which can rule their life.
Social interaction tops all the other categories. The poor use of body language and non-verbal communication such as eye-contact and gestures can affect the child’s appearance and personality that others view. Preferring to be alone is a mild symptom and cannot be changed or altered. My cousin Wesley is 9 years old and was diagnosed with Autism when he was almost one year old. He demonstrates these symptoms in a different way, constantly grabbing hands and wanting to be held. He represents the more positive side of autism when it comes to social interactions. Wesley is consistently playing with objects and wanting family members to join him. Non-verbal communication is also a major part when dealing with social interaction.
Verbal or non-verbal communication is a major problem when diagnosed with autism. They are unable to develop speech, express needs and wants, initiate conversation and develop imaginary play. When autism is diagnosed the doctor prescribes a therapy center for that child’s specific needs. Speech can be taught and obtained during the learning process. However, when a child reaches a certain age it is more difficult to develop speaking abilities. If a child cannot speak he or she will simply make a type of noise similar to a grunt and point at an object that interests him or her.
The lack of interest in people and activities contributes a great deal when deciding if that child should attend a public school or be home schooled. Wesley is attending a public school that has an excellent program for autistic children. He is very social and interacts with everyone. His interests vary from music to light up toys and he shares these interests with his classmates. Many autistic children are usually home schooled and have a therapist who visits them.
Autism cannot be treated with medicine; however, medicine can treat depression or obsessive-compulsive behaviors. With early treatment, many children with autism can learn to do the following things: relate better with others and communicate more efficiently. Depending on the child, treatment may also include such things as speech therapy or physical therapy. Because people with autism are so different, something that helps one person my not help another. Autism can be treated with therapy, special behavioral training, and parental involvement. My cousin Wesley is involved in the following therapies: Physical, speech, and occupational therapy. Occupational therapy helps improve everyday tasks in their daily life: eating, using utensils and getting dressed and undressed. Wesley was also involved in Hippo therapy, better known as Horse therapy. Hippo therapy is when an Autistic child works and learns about horses through, ridding lessons, trust establishment and learning how to love and care for a large animal.
There are many different therapy treatments from speech all the way to Horse therapy. A popular therapy treatment is speech therapy. Speech therapy is recognized as a tradition to approaching the mastery of formal properties of language. The child needs to learn not so much how to speak, as how to use language socially to communicate. That includes knowing how to hold and initiate conversation, thinking about what the other person in a conversation understands and believes, and turning into the meta-linguistic signals of the other person, such as facial expression, tone of voice, and body language. A key point to remember is that communication is as much as non-verbal as it is verbal.
Occupational therapy is a basic treatment which helps with daily motor skills needed to perform daily tasks. It commonly focuses on improving motor skills, or sensory motor skills which include the following: balance, awareness of body position, and touch. After the therapist identifies a specific problem, therapy may include sensory integration activities such as massage, firm touch, swinging, and bouncing.
Music therapy is also treatment. While learning different sounds the autistic child can interact with new noises. This treatment includes the following: singing, movement to music, and playing instruments. Music therapy is supposed to be a good medium for kids with development disabilities. In other words it requires non verbal interaction, music is by nature, and can aid in socialization and influence behavior.
Many people may think that a child with autism will not live a relatively long life. Damage is done to the nervous system and the child can not live alone and are not able to do the “norm”. They are wrong. A child with Autism is a regular kid with a few side-effects. Although most can not live on their own, they still live a relatively long life. Some may even out live a completely healthy person.
Throughout the United States there are over thousands of help centers, in which help relieve stress brought on by autism. Treatment for this spectrum disorder is in the thousands each year. Therapy is a big expense and these centers help down size the costs and provide different coping skills. Many centers offer grants and financial aid.
Overall, Autism is a spectrum disorder that has not acquired a cure yet. Treatment including therapy and behavioral training can minimize pain inflect and tantrums. Symptoms are usually seen within the first couple years of life and can vary from lack of speech to unavailable eye-contact. Some symptoms are misinterpreted and are often over looked as behavioral problems. Many reporters interview families dealing with autism and headline their reports as “Autism: The Hidden Epidemic?” Autism is appearing as an epidemic, occurring in 1 out of every 166th person born in America. It is growing and there is no cure, only treatment, which can help families cope and teach the child certain skills. Concluding my research, through the information I have learned I now know what the causes could be, the symptoms, and excellent treatment and therapy to help cope and deal with autism in and outside the family.
