National Autism Awareness Month

April is National Autism Awareness Month. Autism is not a disease.  It is a mystifying developmental brain disorder that now affects about 1 out of every 100 people, which has increased significantly since studies concluded in 2007 that reported autism affecting 1 out of every 150 people.  Autism is more correctly referred to as belonging to a group of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) that include a wide range of Autism disorders and syndromes.  ASDs affect different people in different ways, with symptoms ranging from very mild to severe.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (http://www.cdc.gov), there are three types of ASDs:

•Autistic Disorder (also called "classic" autism)
This is what most people think of when hearing the word "autism."  People with autistic disorder usually have significant language delays, social and communication challenges, and unusual behaviors and interests. Many people with autistic disorder also have intellectual disability.

•Asperger Syndrome
People with Asperger syndrome usually have some milder symptoms of autistic disorder.  They might have social challenges and unusual behaviors and interests.  However, they typically do not have problems with language or intellectual disability.

•Pervasive Developmental Disorder - Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS; also called "atypical autism")
People who meet some of the criteria for autistic disorder or Asperger syndrome, but not all, may be diagnosed with PDD-NOS. People with PDD-NOS usually have fewer and milder symptoms than those with autistic disorder.  The symptoms might cause only social and communication challenges.

There is no known single cause of autism, although genetics, environmental factors such as chemicals and viruses, diet, and certain drugs and vaccines are all being explored as possible causes.  ASDs generally become apparent before a child reaches the age of three and affect boys four times as much as girls.  This disorder affects children from all racial, ethnic and social backgrounds equally.  ASDs are considered a lifelong disorder, but early detection is crucial so that treatment can start as soon as possible in an affected person's life.

The Autism Society (http://www.autism-society.org) says that early detection and diagnosis can positively change the lives of the affected children and their families, leading to significantly improved outcomes for all involved.  Here are some of the signs and symptoms to look for in the children in your life:

 - Lack of, or delay in spoken language
-  Repetitive use of language and/or motor mannerisms (e.g., hand-flapping, twirling objects)
-  Little or no eye contact
-  Lack of interest in peer relationships
-  Lack of spontaneous or make-believe play
-  Persistent fixation on parts of objects

While ASDs are currently the fastest growing developmental disability which has created quite an uproar in the news the last few years, the Autism Society says, "...the spotlight shown on autism as a result of the prevalence increase opens opportunities for the nation to consider how to serve these families facing a lifetime of supports for their children."  An individual that has mild to moderate symptoms can be more independent and is often able to take care of themself when they mature, while others with more severe symptoms will need some kind of care for the rest of their lives.  The Autism Society reports that the cost of autism over the lifespan of an individual with an ASD is 3.2 million dollars per person; certainly not an amount of money that many families can afford on their own.

The cost of this lifelong care can be reduced by as much as 2/3rds with early diagnosis and intervention, however, which makes autism awareness extremely important.  There is a wide variety of research taking place for ASDs that could benefit greatly from your financial support.  According to the CDC,  "Understanding the risk factors that make a person more likely to develop an ASD will help us learn more about the causes.  We are currently working on one of the largest U.S. studies to date, called Study to Explore Early Development (SEED).  SEED is looking at many possible risk factors for ASDs, including genetic, environmental, pregnancy, and behavioral factors."

Spreading awareness of ASDs via the Internet, TV and radio, magazines and other publications is also helping to get the word out.  The popular film, Temple Grandin based on the life of this amazing autism advocate has helped raise more awareness of this disorder, as has the delightful clay-animation film, Mary and Max, also based on a true story about a young girl's friendship with a man that has Asperger Syndrome.  The entire ASDs community is very excited about the recent release of the documentary film, Wretches & Jabberers, as it is being shown by AMC Theatres in a national theatrical run to help commemorate National Autism Awareness Month in April, 2011.  According to the Autism Society, this film is a poignant narrative directed by Academy Award® winner Gerardine Wurzburg that follows two men with autism, Tracy Thresher and Larry Bissonnette, who embark on a global quest to change attitudes about disability, intelligence and communication.  Through the generosity of AMC and Wretches & Jabberers, the Autism Society receives 10% of ticket sales, which will in turn help individuals and families with ASDs.

Like the tag line for this film reads, "More Like You Than Not", it is important to remember that children and adults with ASDs are just like all of us and should not be stigmatized from society just because their brains work a little differently than ours.  It is also now proven that ASDs are not caused by parental neglect or actions as was once believed.  You can help raise awareness of Autism and ASDs by spreading current, factual information which can be found at Autism Society, and the CDC's website at Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

A wonderful product that helps to assist with the awareness of autism is the Autism Spectrum Disorder Visual Stimulation Kit which helps teaching students with Autism that learning is challenging and exciting. The vendor, Enabling Devices, have put together a great multisensory kit for a classroom that help achieves goals.

Carol Koenigsknecht, Medical Consumer Writer
and
Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Team Leader & CEO