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New to Autism Spectrum Disorders?
Begin by understanding the strengths and challenges and specific needs of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders. The information in this department is provided as an introduction to Autism.
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Prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorders
It is estimated that between 1 in 80 and 1 in 240 with an average of 1 in 110 children in the United States have an ASD. ASDs are reported to occur in all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups, yet . . .
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Autism 100 Day Kit
This kit is produced by Autism Speaks. The Autism Speaks 100 Day Kit is created specifically for newly diagnosed families, to make the best possible use of the 100 days following the diagnosis of autism. A tool kit to assist families in getting the critical information they need in the first 100 days after an autism diagnosis. . . .
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Myths & Misconceptions About Autism
There are many different myths and mis-understandings surrounding Autism Spectrum Disorders. Some information comes from ideas and opinions that people had about ASD many years ago. As we learn more about autism we realize some of this old information is not accurate. Other incorrect information is the result of the word SPECTRUM. All individuals with ASD are not the same. Here are some common myths. Autism is an emotional disturbance This is not true. Autism is a neuro-developmental disorder. That means that the individuals with autism have some differences in how their brains function. . . .
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Facts About Autism Spectrum Disorders
Autism is the fastest-growing serious developmental disability in the U.S. (Autism Speaks) Autism occurs in all racial, ethnic, and socio-economic groups Autism is four times more likely to occur in boys than girls Autism occurs in 1 in 150 births (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) Scientists aren't certain what causes autism, but it's likely that both genetics and environment play a role. (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke) . . .
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Understanding Students with Austism Spectrum Disorders
Linda Hodgdon, M.Ed., CCC-SLP
Autism can be a mystery . . . a puzzle . . . It can leave us perplexed . . . bewildered . . . confused. Here is our challenge We need to be detectives. Colombo and Sherlock Holmes were observers of details. And that is what we need to do. Watch. Pay attention. Look at the bigger picture. And this is what I find Those who really try to "learn" who these students are do learn. They figure out a lot about how individual students think and reason and understand. . . .
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What is the Incidence of Autism?
Experts estimate that three to six children out of every 1,000 will have autism. Another number that is currently used is 1 in 150. Males are four times more likely to have autism than females. . . .
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What are Some Common Signs of Autism?
There are three distinctive behaviors that characterize autism. Autistic children have difficulties with social interaction, problems with verbal and nonverbal communication, and repetitive behaviors or narrow, obsessive interests. These behaviors can range in impact from mild to disabling. The hallmark feature of autism is impaired social interaction. Parents are usually the first to notice symptoms of autism in their child. As early as infancy, a baby with autism may be unresponsive to people or focus intently on one item to the exclusion of others for long periods of time. A child with autism may appear to develop normally and then withdraw and become indifferent to social engagement. . . .
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What Research is Being Done About Autism?
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) is one of the federal government's leading supporters of biomedical research on brain and nervous system disorders. The NINDS conducts research in its laboratories at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland, and also awards grants to support research at universities and other facilities. As part of the Children's Health Act of 2000, the NINDS and three sister institutes have formed the NIH Autism Coordinating Committee to expand, intensify, and coordinate NIH's autism research. Eight dedicated research centers across the country have been established as "Centers of Excellence in Autism Research" to bring together researchers and the resources they need. The Centers are conducting basic and clinical research, including investigations into causes, diagnosis, early detection, prevention, and treatment, such as the studies highlighted below: . . .
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Causes of Austism Spectrum Disorders
We have learned a lot about the symptoms of ASDs and have improved efforts to track the disorders, but we still don't know a lot about the causes of ASDs. Scientists think that both genes and the environment play a role, and there might be many causes that lead to ASDs. Family studies have been most helpful in understanding how genes contribute to autism. Studies have shown that among identical twins, if one child has autism, then the other will be affected about 75% of the time. In non-identical twins, if one child has autism, then the other has it about 3% of the time. Also, parents who have a child with an ASD have a 2%-8% chance of having a second child who is also affected.1, 2 . . .
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Ten Things
Every Child with Autism Wishes You Knew
Ellen Notbohm
Some days it seems the only predictable thing about it is the unpredictability. The only consistent attribute -- the inconsistency. There is little argument on any level but that autism is baffling, even to those who spend their lives around it. The child who lives with autism may look "normal" but his behavior can be perplexing and downright difficult. Autism was once thought an "incurable disorder," but that notion is crumbling in the face knowledge and understanding that is increasing even as you read this. Every day, individuals with autism are showing us that they can overcome, compensate for and otherwise manage many of autism's most challenging characteristics. Equipping those around our children with simple understanding of autism's most basic elements has a tremendous impact on their ability to journey towards productive, independent adulthood. . . .
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