As many of you already know, we have only been aware of Blake's diagnosis for a little over a year. But we are not strangers to the disorder as my oldest half-brother, Grant, also is on the autism spectrum. It has been a huge blessing to have my father and step-mom acting as mentors, as they have been forging this road for over 10 years now. And even though Grant and Blake to not have all of the same characteristics they do share some, and advice and help over the last year has been wonderful.
Autism and ASD (autism spectrum disorder) are both terms used to describe a complex group of disorders of brain development. These disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviors. They include autistic disorder, Rett syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder, pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) and Asperger syndrome. With the May 2013 publication of the new DSM-5 diagnostic manual, these autism subtypes will be merged into one umbrella diagnosis of ASD. ASD can be associated with intellectual disability, difficulties in motor coordination and attention and physical health issues such as sleep and gastrointestinal disturbances. Some persons with ASD excel in visual skills, music, math and art. Autism appears to have its roots in very early brain development. However, the most obvious signs of autism and symptoms of autism tend to emerge between 2 and 3 years of age. (Blake was diagnosed two weeks before his 3rd birthday.)
Autism statistics from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identify around 1 in 88 American children as on the autism spectrum–a ten-fold increase in prevalence in 40 years. Careful research shows that this increase is only partly explained by improved diagnosis and awareness. Studies also show that autism is four to five times more common among boys than girls. An estimated 1 out of 54 boys and 1 in 252 girls are diagnosed with autism in the United States.
By way of comparison, more children are diagnosed with autism each year than with juvenile diabetes, AIDS or cancer, combined. ASD affects over 2 million individuals in the U.S. and tens of millions worldwide. Government autism statistics suggest that prevalence rates have increased 10 to 17 percent annually in recent years.
Until recent years, there was no answer as to what causes Autism. Through research, they are starting to discover that just as there is no one type of Autism, there is no one cause for Autism. The clearest evidence of these autism risk factors involves events before and during birth. They include advanced parental age at time of conception (both mom and dad), maternal illness during pregnancy and certain difficulties during birth, particularly those involving periods of oxygen deprivation to the baby’s brain. It is important to keep in mind that these factors, by themselves, do not cause autism. Rather, in combination with genetic risk factors, they appear to modestly increase risk.
Each individual with autism is unique. Many of those on the autism spectrum have exceptional abilities in visual skills, music and academic skills. About 40 percent have average to above average intellectual abilities. Indeed, many persons on the spectrum take deserved pride in their distinctive abilities and “atypical” ways of viewing the world. Others with autism have significant disability and are unable to live independently. About 25 percent of individuals with ASD are nonverbal but can learn to communicate using other means. Autism Speaks’ mission is to improve the lives of all those on the autism spectrum. For some, this means the development and delivery of more effective treatments that can address significant challenges in communication and physical health. For others, it means increasing acceptance, respect and support.
There is no test to determine if one has Autism, or ASD. Physicians and/or psychologists may administer a specially designed autism behavioral evaluation. After spending 1.5 hours in a room with us and Blake, a team of Psychologists, Speech Therapists and other therapists, diagnosed Blake as having mild to moderate Autism. They didn't even need to leave the room to discuss it. They already knew.
The Modified Checklist of Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT) is a list of informative questions about your child. The answers can indicate whether he or she should be further evaluated by a specialist such as a developmental pediatrician, neurologist, psychiatrist or psychologist. (Take the M-CHAT here.)
Most of my information came from the Autism Speaks website. Its a great tool for individuals who would like to know more about Autism and ASD or if you are a family member of someone with ASD. Below you will find a chart showing the drastic increase in Autism diagnosis's over the years. Autism Speaks raises money for research to study Autism and to one day find the answers. However, there is a huge need for help for families with autistic children, especially as the lower functioning individuals reach adulthood. My brother will be turning 16 this year, and my dad is finding there is a large lack of resources out there.
I thank you for taking the time to read up on Autism. Tomorrow, April 2nd is National Autism Awareness Day and Autism Speaks asks the world to Light It Up Blue for the day. So if you see a blue light tomorrow, you will know what it is for.
Bar chart of the number (per 1,000 U.S. resident children aged 6–17) of children aged 6–17 who were served under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) with a diagnosis of autism, from 1996 through 2007.
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