ASD is a group of developmental disabilities that greatly affect a person's social, communication and behavioral abilities that a person typically deals with throughout their lifetime. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimate the rate of autism occurrence is 1 in 100 children in the United States. This high number of occurrences makes ASD more common than pediatric cancer, diabetes, and AIDS combined. There is not a blood test or x-ray that can detect autism. It is generally diagnosed through observation in the areas listed below. Autism has a wide range of symptoms and looks differently with each child, but typically includes difficulty in one or more areas each category listed:
COMMUNICATION:
* Poor or limited eye contact
* Limited language skills, both receptive and expressive, verbal and nonverbal.
* Repetition or echoing of phrases in place of normal language usage
* Loss of language skills as a toddler
* Lack of reciprocate language skills when language is present
SOCIAL SKILLS:
* Lack of shared attention with others
* Inability to play with other children, parallel play may exist.
* Not showing an interest in other people, sometimes even significant others such as parents.
* Not able to understand and learn social cues most children pick up on naturally.
BEHAVIOR:
* Unusual reactions to the way things smell, taste, feel or sound.
* Little or no fear of common things.
* Unusual or unrealistic fears.
* Craving physical contact or avoiding physical contact.
* Restricted or limited interests; repetitive patterns of behavior.
* Difficulty with changes in routine.
* Insistence on things being done the same way.
* Using behavior as a means to communicate needs.
* Using people as objects to get things done.
ASD is a complicated disorder and affects 1 in 100 children according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC). It affects boys 4:1 when compared to girls. Most children are diagnosed as young as age 3 by a pediatrician, neurologist or developmental specialist. Some children will show signs of autism but not be diagnosed. The key is know what to look for and be sure all areas listed above have at least one or more characteristic observable in a child. If as a parent you feel certain that something is going on with your child and the doctors won't listen, or feel you are being over protecting, get a second opinion by someone trained in autism. Most of the time, parents are generally accurate in their assessment of their child. After all, a parent knows their child better than anyone else.
Kerri Duncan has been supporting families with children diagnosed with autism. She aims to increase awareness and educate those involved in the lives of individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. If you need more information and support, click here to see how she can help you and your child reach a brighter tomorrow.
For more information on ASD, contact Kerri Duncan, Ed.D., BCaBA 417.860.7640 or go to http://www.facebook.com/hart4autism.
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