By ABCS RCM
For parents of a child with autism, the situation can, at times, feel overwhelming. Some parents are not sure where to go for factual and current information. However, these parents must remember that they are not alone. In fact, there are many advocacy groups and resources that can help them on their journey. In other cases, parents may feel like there is simply too much information on Autism. With numerous advocacy organizations and online resources, parents need to learn how to filter through the plethora of information. They need to find information that is correct as well as find solutions that fit the needs of their child. One crucial step for parents is to learn the language and terms that are used in the autism community. This means always researching explanations for unfamiliar jargon and words. The more parents know about autism, the easier it is to ask the right questions and make appropriate decisions for their child. Basic Facts on Autism: Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is characterized by repetitive behaviors, communication difficulties, social & cognitive impairments. Due to the fact that Autism is a spectrum disorder, the condition can vary from mild to more severe. The disorder has no boundaries and occurs in all demographic and socioeconomic populations. However, the occurrence of autism is four times more likely in males than in females. Young children may even appear to display no signs of autism before the ages of 1 or 2 years old. Yet, they can suddenly “regress” and lose previously learned language or social skills. This kind of occurrence is known as regressive type autism. Here are seven additional facts about the disorder from the National Autism Association: [1] Autism is a bio-neurological developmental disability. [2] It usually appears before the age of 3 in children. [3] Roughly 40% of children with autism do not speak. [4] Currently, 1 in 59 children are diagnosed with autism. [5] Autism greatly varies from person to person. [6] The rate of autism has steadily grown over the last 20 years. [7] Autism is not curable, but it is treatable -- early intervention is key. As a developmental disorder, autism impedes the development of the brain in the areas of social and communication skills as well as cognitive abilities. This means that children with autism have difficulties with social interactions and other similar activities. More recent studies are finding that individuals with autism often have numerous other co-morbid healthcare conditions. Some of these conditions include allergies asthma, epilepsy, digestive disorders, feeding disorders, persistent viral infections and sleeping disorders. Numerous studies have documented substantial impairments in the gastrointestinal (GI), immunological and metabolic systems of individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). These earlier studies only used small to moderate sample sizes when documenting immune, gastrointestinal and metabolic impairments. More recently, a variety of large-scale studies have documented higher rates of medical problems in individuals with autism as compared to the general U.S. population. For example, children with autism are roughly eight times more likely to suffer from gastrointestinal (GI) disorders. Although this is well-known fact among researchers in the autism field, many other professionals as aware of this higher rate of medical comorbidities. Beyond childhood, autism has a negative impact on life expectancy. research has shown that the mortality risk among individuals with autism is higher than that of the general population. Yet, there is hope. Though there is no cure for autism, the range of symptoms related to autism are manageable and improvable. But, in order to improve the symptoms, parents need access to sound information on autism. In order to facilitate access to current and relevant information on autism, here are three good sources to research: The National Autism Association (NAA): The NAA provides help to members of the autism community. Their mission is to advocate for federal policy and resources that can help people with autism as well as promote research on the topic. They provide tools, education and training to families, first responders and service professionals. Autism Society of America (ASA): The ASA is focused on increasing public awareness about the day-to-day issues faced by people on the autism spectrum. They advocate for appropriate services for individuals of all ages. They also provide the current updates on treatment, education, research and advocacy. The Autism Society also hosts one of the most comprehensive annual national conferences on autism each year. Autism Speaks: This organization has grown into one of the world's leading autism science and advocacy organizations. They are dedicated to funding research for the prevention, treatment and cure of autism. They also strive to raise awareness about the autism spectrum disorders and the needs of individuals with autism. and their families. For questions about the occurrence of autism in children and adults, contact Providers For Healthy Living. As a practice, one of their medical specialties is diagnosing and treating the symptoms of autism. They have been providing experienced behavioral health service since 2011, with their practice established on the values of quality, hope and personal responsibility. They can be reached by phone at 614-664-3595 or 419-605-9817.
1 Comment
|
Please DO NOT use this email address for medication refill requests or for emergency situations.
Click here for refill requests instead of using email: Medication Refill Request Form If you have a medical emergency, email is never the appropriate way to communicate your needs, and you should instead call 911 or go to the nearest ER. If you are having suicidal thoughts and need to speak to someone immediately, you can contact Suicide Prevention Hotline at the number (and link) below. [email protected]
Communications via email are not secure. Although it is unlikely, there is a possibility that the information you include in an email can be intercepted and read by other parties besides the person to whom it is addressed. |
2024 Providers for Healthy Living | All Rights Reserved
|