Information: Autism Spectrum Disorder/Neurodiversity


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Quick link to the information of your choice on Autism Spectrum Disorder/Neurodiversity:

What is Autism Spectrum Disorder/Neurodiversity disabilities?

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder/Neurodiversity disabilities as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, are a group of developmental disorders that are defined by significant impairments in social interaction, communication and the presence of behaviors and interests. Ways of learning, paying attention or reacting to different sensations are classified as unusual. This developmental disability can vary however in learning ability, from gifted to severely challenged.

What are the causes of Autism Spectrum Disorder/Neurodiversity disabilities?

    There is no known cause, desbite much research in recent years, however, there are some widely known possible causes:
    • Childhood vaccinations - the preservative, thimerosal which is no longer used in childhood vaccines or the practice of giving infants multiple immunizations at a single visit. Recent research has ruled out both of these as a cause.
    • Problems in pregnancy ( Yale School of Medicine researchers discovered that flawed cells in the placenta might be the earliest marker for autism. June 26, 2006, Biological Psychiatry)
    • Disordered process of brain development before birth.
    • Viral infections.
    • Repeated use of antibiotics in the first year of life.
    • Exposure to mercury or other toxic chemicals.
    • Late age parenthood.
    • Genetic predisposition - although the recent rise of prevalence of this condition in this decade would suggest that this could not be a cause.

What are the characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorder/Neurodiversity disabilities?

    Begins before the age of three, usually between the ages of 18 and 36 months and lasts a person's life.
    There are three distinct characteristics:
    • Difficulty with social interaction.- socially withdrawn, speak little, dislike affection and eye contact.
    • Problems with verbal and nonverbal communication.
    • Repetitive behaviors or obsessive interests.

What are the statistics concerning Autism Spectrum Disorder/Neurodiversity disabilities?

From the Autism Society of America:
  • Occurs in all racial, ethnic and socioeconomic groups.
  • Five more times more likely to occur in boys than in girls.
  • "One in every 150 children born in the U.S. has autism." Recent surveys from the CDC are reporting that 1 in every 88 children in the U.S. has autism.
  • "Based on statistics from the U.S. Department of Education and other governmental agencies, autism is growing at a startling rate of 10-17 percent per year. At this rate, the ASA estimates that the prevalence of autism could reach 4 million Americans in the next decade."
  • "Autism is now officially becoming an epidemic in the United States. We are dealing with a national emergency that needs a national plan," Mark Roithmayr, from Autism Speaks. (Brown, 2012)
  • The rate in Hispainc children is two-thirds that of white children but is rising faster in them and in African-American children. Utah's children rate is four times that of Alabama"s although this is unexplained.

Prevention:

From the University of Virginia, Health System:

    There does not appear to be any known prevention for the occurrence or severity of Autism Spectrum Disorder/Neurodiversity. However, the CDC has identified several risk factors.

    Children should be identified early by parents, teachers and doctors when treatment is most effective.

    "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." Parents and doctors must remain diligent during the birth process.
    • Avoid difficult or premature delivery of newborns.
    • Healthy pregnancy, healthy baby programs help avoid difficult or premature delivery and low birth weight, both risk factors for developmental disabilities.

      • "America's health care system is in crisis precisely because we systematically neglect wellness and prevention." - U.S. Senator, Retired, Tom Harkin

    • Read our NHU Report on the Prevention of Disabilities - Spring 2015
      Read about the rising prevalence of developmental disabilities, the impact of developmental disabilities and the need for data for research. ----We all know to move forward on any problem facing mankind requires research.  We are stating, in order to protect children of the future, newborns, their parents and society from disabilities, we should broaden the scope of data collected through the U.S. Standard Certificate of Live Birth. This update to our existing data system would be more easily adopted and is necessary to more effectively meet current research needs for the purpose of preventing disabilities.   Existing data collected is vague and not in sync with the rapid advances in medicine for today.

Awareness:

  • People are more alike than they are different.
  • Identify and develop an appreciation for each person's strengths and accomplishments.
  • Become aware of the affect on daily activities.

  • Autism Awareness Guide: Through Wristbands Wristband Express is a company that sells wristbands, however they offer a nice guide about Autism including links to many current Autism resources. They explain the puzzle logo for Autism awareness that was first designed by the Autism Society. They hope that with increased awareness of autism, comes access to appropriate support and services, allowing those with autism to lead full lives.

  • People First Language from disabilityisnatural.com by Kathie Snow offers insight into society's use of language when using the term disability. The term disability is a societal construct to identify characteristics related to a medical condition that may entitle an individual for services or legal protections. The use of this language encourages freedom, respect and inclusion for all, and recognizes forms of language that can isolate, create negative stereotypes and place attitudinal barriers for individuals. "Using People First Language, putting the person before the disability—and eliminating old, prejudicial, and hurtful descriptors, can move us in a new direction. People First Language is not political correctness; instead, it demonstrates good manners, respect, the Golden Rule, and more—it can change the way we see a person, and it can change the way a person sees themself!" For more articles by Kathie Snow to "help us begin to use more respectful and accurate language and create positive change," visit People First Language and More

Viewpoint

    Autistic Culture from Wikipedia defines and explores the Autistic viewpoint from beliefs and interests to Autistic Pride Day, a day to celebrate Autism. "Autistic culture holds a concept that autism, as a valid and unique way of being, should be embraced and appreciated, not shunned or cured. This is sometimes

    • The National Information Center for Children and Youth With Disabilities (NICHCY) offers an information package. Link to their Autism/PDD Page, and contact them for an information package concerning Asperger Syndrome.

    Neurodiversity: Some professionals contend that, far from being a disease, Asperger Syndrome is simply the pathologizing of neurodiversity that should be celebrated, understood and accommodated instead of "treated" or "cured."

    Autistic people have contributed to a shift in perception of autism spectrum disorders as complex syndromes rather than diseases that must be cured. Proponents of this view reject the notion that there is an 'ideal' brain configuration and that any deviation from the norm is pathological. They demand tolerance for what they call their neurodiversity in much the same way physically handicapped people have demanded tolerance. These views are the basis for the autistic rights and autistic pride movements. Researcher Simon Baron-Cohen has argued that high-functioning autism is a "difference" and is not necessarily a "disability." He contends that the term "difference" is more neutral, and that this small shift in a term could mean the difference between a diagnosis of Asperger's Syndrome being received as a family tragedy, or as interesting information, such as learning that a child is left-handed.

Needs and Solutions

  • There is no known cure.
  • Not every therapy helps every child or adult.

  • Develop behavior management strategies and address poor communication skills, obsessive or repetitive routines, and physical clumsiness. Many individuals with Asperger Syndrome can adopt strategies for coping and developing relationships.

Treatment and Rehabilitation

    There is no known cure, education and treatment approaches help to lessen some of the demonstrated behaviors. Choosing a treatment is very hard for the parent or caregiver. There are many possibilities and there are many factors that do not make choosing a treatment easy.

    "A search for appropriate treatment must be paired with the knowledge that all treatment approaches are not equal, what works for one will not work for all, and other options do not have to be excluded. The basis for choosing any treatment plan should come from a thorough evaluation of the strengths and weaknesses observed in the child." from the Autism Society of America.

    The success of rehabilitation depends on many variables, including the following:

    • family support
    • adapting the home environment for ease of function, safety, accessibility, and mobility
    • patient and family education

    A typical treatment program generally includes:

    • Exercise
    • Hygiene
    • Education
    • Training
    • Vocational rehabilitation
    • Relationship counseling
    • Social skills training, to teach the skills to more successfully interact with others, understand body language and facial expressions, education in spotting and translating these social cues.
    • Cognitive behavioral therapy, to help in better managing emotions that may be explosive or anxious, and to cut back on obsessive interests and repetitive routines.
    • Medication, for co-existing conditions such as depression and anxiety.
    • Occupational or physical therapy, to assist with sensory integration problems or poor motor coordination.
    • Specialized speech therapy, to help with the trouble of the "give and take" in normal conversation; and, parent training and support, to teach parents behavioral techniques to use at home.
    Individuals may benefit from individual, group, animal-assisted, or music therapy.

    Many studies have been done on early behavioral interventions. Most of these are single case with one to five participants. The single case studies are usually about controlling non-core autistic problem-behaviors like self-injury, aggression, noncompliance, stereotypes, or spontaneous language. Packaged interventions such as those run by UCLA or TEACCH are designed to treat the entire syndrome and have been found to be somewhat effective.

    Unintended side effects of medication and intervention have largely been ignored in the literature about treatment programs for children or adults, and there are claims that some treatments are not ethical and do more harm than good.

    It is important to focus on maximizing the patient's capabilities at home and in the community. Positive reinforcement helps recovery by improving self-esteem and promoting independence. The rehabilitation program is designed to meet the needs of the individual patient. Active involvement of the patient and family is vital to the success of the program. Parents and teachers can help by providing a structured and supportive environment

    The goal of rehabilitation help the person to the highest level of function and independence possible, while improving the overall quality of life - physically, emotionally, and socially.

    In order to help reach these goals, Asperger rehabilitation programs may include the following:

    • vocational counseling
    • patient and family education

Helping Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder/Neurodiversity: Autism Spectrum Disorder/Neurodiversity Treatment Strategies and Parenting Tips from ��Helpguide.org. All rights reserved. Helpguide.org is an ad-free non-profit resource for supporting better mental health and lifestyle choices for adults and children.�
This is a very well explained guide for parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder/Neurodiversity including tip topics: Structure and Safety, Find Nonverbal Ways to Connect, Create a Personalized Autism Treatment Plan and Help and Support. It also includes an overview of the U.S. Government services for children with Autism with links to those services.

Communicating with an Autistic Child: A Parent's Guide is an article on-line at Wise Old Sayings.com
The article is a list of resources on the following topics: General Resources on Autism, Parenting a Child with Autism and Communicating with a Child with Autism. The resource list is very comprehensive and each resource has a description.

New Sign Health & You: Autism and Swimming offers background information on the health implications presented by ASD and physical limitations resulting from the symptoms experienced by children with ASD, along with resources and tips on the general benefits of physical activity, the benefits of swimming for children with ASD, resources for locating and accessing swimming lessons for your child with ASD, and other helpful resources to help your child experience the benefits of increased physical activity. This is a very comprehensive guide with many resources.

New Sign Autism and Swimming: Children with Autism Can Benefit From Physical Activity Children with autism experience a great deal of benefit from physical activity, which can include: Ease repetitive behaviors, Act as a positive social outlet, Increase attention span, and Reduce risk of later adult health conditions of obesity and heart disease. This article explains how exercise helps and the challenges of Autism Spectrum Disorder/Neurodiversity and Sports.

Nutrition and Diet

  • Some nutritionists have found similarities with autistic children.
    • Many have yeast overgrowth.
    • Leaky gut syndrome.
    • Food Allergies.
    • Gastrointestinal illness.
    • "Sensitivities to the proteins found in wheat(gluten) and dairy(casein). Persons with autism may show that they cannot completely break down these proteins and fragments of them get into the blood stream and central nervous system before being eliminated in the urine. These peptides (broken down products of proteins) are similar to opiates, such as morphine, and may be responsible for autistic behavior. This is a theory that this metabolic defect leads to the incomplete breakdown of gluten and casein proteins. If a gluten/casein free diet is suggested as a primary treatment for the symptoms of autism, it should be carefully monitored to ensure proper nutrition. This seems to be one of the safest and least invasive interventions available. Parents or adults should seek help and advice from dietitians with knowledge of this special diet, other parents, pediatricians and appropriate web sites to be sure that the child or adult will get proper amounts of calcium, Vitamin D and other vitamins, minerals and amino acids. People with autism have a difficult time giving up these foods, that may be limited and favored. Advocates of this diet recommend at least three months to see results." Reference: The many faces of autism: Can diet be a missing piece? by Judy Mayer-Kieckhefer, Outpost Exchange, August 28, 2006.

    Learn more about Autism Spectrum Disorder/Neurodiversity

      Autism Fact Sheet

      National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke publishes an Autism Fact Sheet which offers resources and comprehensive definition on what is autism, common signs of autism, how autism is diagnosed, causes of autism, heredity, treatments as well many other clinical researched resources.

      Autism Resources Links is a large classified index of links to autism-related web sites. Included are web resources of all kinds including sites with information about various treatment options, sites dedicated to Aspergers, sites with accounts of the experiences of autistic people and their parents, autism organizations, and more. Frequently Asked Questions Memo (FAQ) includes a wealth of information and background material regarding autism contributed by people online. Includes definitions and descriptions of autism and Asperger's, a glossary of terms and acronyms, lists of related disorders, treatments, books, movies, history, organizations, initiatives, etc. Aimed at people who discover they need to know about autism, but valuable to all. Advice to parents who discover their child is autistic. A collection of messages from several parents on the AUTISM mailing list offering what they would have liked to have known when they found out their child was autistic. Includes recommendations of parents and other readers, books for children, for parents, for teachers, for professionals, accounts of autistic people, fiction including autistic people, and non-specifically-autism-related books that parents of autistic people have suggested as being helpful.

      Disabilities: Guide to Autism is offered by the series, Know-the-ADA, from the Arizona Office for Americans with Disabilities. This guide offers a comprehensive article on Autism including definition, characteristics, discussion of possible causes, therapies and treatments, suggestions for parents, and misconceptions of Autism. The article includes a great list of resources to learn more about the Autism Spectrum and how you can seek treatment for a child with Autism.

      New Sign Does Your Child Have Social Communication Disorder? Your Child's Symptoms May Be Too Mild for Autism By Lisa Jo Rudy | Reviewed by Joel Forman, MD Updated May 18, 2018. This article at Very Well Health explains how Social Communication Disorder, a mild form of Autism, replaces the diagnoses of PDD-NOS (Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified). The 2013 Diagnostic Manual redefined Autism Spectrum Disorder, Aspergers and PDD-NOS. Social Communication Disorder is not included with Autism Spectrom Disorders. If a child has grown out of Autism behaviors, parents may like this diagnoses instead. There is a downfall to no ASD diagnoses. "A person who has "only" Social Communication Disorder may not receive the same level of services as a person with the same symptoms and an Autism Spectrum diagnosis. So even if your child has outgrown or learned to manage autistic symptoms, it may be worth your while to describe past symptoms in order to help your child qualify for a diagnosis that offers more and better services and support."

    References